Ingredients
2 1/4 c. sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
1/4 c. Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. salt
8 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp. liquid red food coloring
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. buttermilk
2 tsp. distilled white vinegar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 package cream cheese
8 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 1/2 c. confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt
Preparation
Step 1To make cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9" x 2" round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper; grease.Step 2Sift flour, cocoa, and salt into a bowl.Step 3In stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter at low speed until creamy. Add sugar; blend on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape bowl; add food coloring and vanilla. On low speed, beat in flour mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. In small bowl, stir together vinegar and baking soda. Stir into batter. Divide batter between prepared pans; spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges and turn layers out onto racks. Remove paper and flip cakes; cool completely. Freeze for 30 minutes.Step 4To make frosting: In stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Blend on low speed for 30 seconds; beat on medium-high until fluffy.Step 5To assemble: Cut layers in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place 1 layer, cut side up, on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Repeat twice. Add last layer, top side up. Ice cake thinly with 3/4 cup frosting to crumb-coat. Refrigerate 20 minutes; finish frosting.
This cake is one of 10 sweet creations in celebration of O, The Oprah Magazine’s 10th birthday. Use this recipe to make an at-home version to enjoy.
