Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2–3 tablespoons red gel food coloring
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans or one 8×8-inch square pan
Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes)
Mix in the room-temperature egg on low speed until incorporated, then add vanilla extract
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl
Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients
Mix in red gel food coloring until fully incorporated
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans
Bake for 25–30 minutes for rounds, or 35–40 minutes for a square pan
Cool completely before frosting
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering texture
Ensure the cake cools completely before adding frosting
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Classic American Cake Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg