Green Velvet Cake
A festive twist on red velvet — a soft, moist “velvet” sponge tinted green, typically layered and frosted with cream cheese or buttercream frosting.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Cake pans (e.g. two 8-inch rounds)
- Spatula / offset spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder just a little to deepen color and texture
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- green food coloring (gel or liquid) adjust for desired intensity
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line two (or three) cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl or mixer, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and green food coloring until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches, mixing until just combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Tap the pans gently to release any large air bubbles.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean). Let the cakes cool in pans for ~10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and spreadable.
- Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on a cake board or serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Optionally, chill the cake for 15–20 minutes to firm before slicing and serving. Decorate as desired (sprinkles, green accents, etc.).
Notes
Green velvet is essentially red velvet with green coloring — the flavor is tangy, moist, and slightly chocolatey due to a small amount of cocoa powder. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Use gel colors for more vibrant hue without adding too much liquid. Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator (because of the cream cheese frosting). Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}