Description
Red Velvet Cherry Oreo Cake
Ingredients:
For the Red Velvet Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
For the Filling and Frosting:
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry pie filling or cherry preserves (as desired)
Oreo cookies (for decoration)
For Garnish:
Fresh cherries
Cherry syrup or glaze (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely before slicing each layer in half horizontally.
2. Make the Whipped Cream Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream and top with cherry filling.
Repeat the process with the remaining layers.
Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
4. Decorate:
Drizzle cherry syrup over the top and sides of the cake.
Arrange Oreo cookies and fresh cherries on top for garnish.
5. Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the flavors to set. Slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless cake. First, ensure all cold ingredients (eggs, buttermilk) reach room temperature for proper emulsification. When mixing the batter, combine wet and dry ingredients just until smooth; overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. For perfectly flat layers, use cake strips around the pans. After baking, cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For slicing, use a long serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. When whipping cream, ensure the bowl and beaters are chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is a stunning centerpiece. Serve each slice with a dollop of extra cherry preserves on the side. For a decadent twist, warm the slice slightly and pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For beverages, it pairs beautifully with cold milk, a rich hot chocolate, or a glass of sparkling rosé. Garnish individual plates with a dusting of crushed Oreo crumbs or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
How-to Summary
In summary: Prepare red velvet batter and bake into two layers. Cool completely, then slice each layer horizontally to create four thin tiers. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Assemble by layering cake, whipped cream, and cherry filling. Frost the exterior with remaining cream. Decorate with Oreos, fresh cherries, and optional syrup. Chill for 2+ hours before serving to set structure and meld flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance; wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake up to a day before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Q: How can I stabilize the whipped cream?
A: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix or 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar while whipping. This helps the frosting hold its shape longer.
Q: What’s a substitute for buttermilk?
A> Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled before using.
Q: My food coloring isn’t vibrant enough. What can I do?
A> Use gel food coloring instead of liquid. It provides intense color without altering the batter’s consistency. Add it gradually until you achieve the desired deep red hue.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A> Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The whipped cream frosting will not hold up well to freezing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients, which can cause the batter to separate and result in a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter after adding the wet ingredients, which activates gluten.
- Attempting to assemble the cake with warm layers, as this will melt the whipped cream.
- Under-whipping or over-whipping the cream. Stop at stiff peaks for a spreadable, stable frosting.
- Skipping the chilling step before serving, which is crucial for the cake to slice neatly.
Conclusion
This Red Velvet Cherry Oreo Cake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully balances rich cocoa, tangy buttermilk, sweet cherries, and crunchy chocolate. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a professional-quality cake at home. The make-ahead flexibility and stunning presentation make it perfect for celebrations. Remember, the key to success lies in patient assembly and proper chilling. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking artistry!