Mary Berry's Red Velvet Cake: A Decadent Delight

Mary Berry, a culinary icon known for her classic yet innovative recipes, has a version of the decadent red velvet cake that's sure to impress. This recipe delivers a moist, intensely flavored cake with a beautifully smooth cream cheese frosting. Let's dive into creating this masterpiece!

Ingredients: For the Cake

• 225g/8oz self-raising flour: The foundation of our cake's texture. Using self-raising flour simplifies the process by eliminating the need for a separate raising agent.
• ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda: This helps the cake rise beautifully and achieve that light, airy texture.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 200g/7oz caster sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 175ml/6fl oz buttermilk: The buttermilk reacts with the cocoa and vinegar to create a tender crumb and a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: This interacts with the bicarbonate of soda to create a chemical reaction that leavens the cake.
• 175ml/6fl oz sunflower oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, contributing to its moist texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds depth of flavor and the characteristic red velvet color. Use good quality cocoa for the best results.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Red food coloring: (Optional, but recommended) Intensifies the iconic red color of the red velvet cake. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve your desired shade.

Ingredients: For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 225g/8oz full-fat cream cheese, softened: The key to a luscious frosting. Ensure it's softened to room temperature for easy blending.
• 110g/4oz unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• 350g/12oz icing sugar, sifted: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture. Sifting removes lumps and prevents a grainy frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

Instructions: Making the Cake

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas Mark 4. Grease and flour two 20cm/8-inch round cake tins. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, vinegar, oil, eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tough cake.
5. Add Color: Stir in the red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Instructions: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
2. Add Icing Sugar: Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
3. Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Cool Completely: Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Get Creative: Feel free to add your own personal touch to this recipe, such as adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or different extracts.

This Mary Berry-inspired red velvet cake recipe guarantees a delicious and visually stunning dessert. Following these steps and tips will help you bake a cake worthy of any celebration! Remember to adapt and experiment – baking is a journey of discovery!