Hey there, sweet friends! 👨‍🍳 Chef James here, back in my cozy Tiramisucake kitchen.
Today, we’re diving into a Southern classic that never fails to steal hearts — the red velvet sheet cake. I still remember the first time I baked one for a Valentine’s Day dinner; the moment I sliced into that deep crimson cake, my guests went silent. Then came the “ooohs” and “aaahs.” That’s when I knew this recipe was something special.

This cake combines the best of both worlds — a tender, cocoa-kissed crumb and a silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. And unlike layer cakes, a sheet cake is pure joy for busy home bakers. It’s easy, feeds a crowd, and looks stunning with minimal effort.

What makes this version truly shine? Buttermilk and vinegar for that signature tang, plus a touch of oil to keep every bite irresistibly moist.

If you’re just discovering the magic of Southern sheet cakes, check out our Best Sheet Cake Recipes — it’s the ultimate collection of easy, crowd-pleasing cakes. You might also love the bright Lemon Sheet Cake Recipe or the tropical Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe for your next family gathering.

As always, we bake with E-E-A-T principles in mind: experience, expertise, authority, and trust — because your kitchen deserves safe, reliable recipes. For food safety on eggs and dairy, peek at USDA guidelines before you begin.

Ready? Let’s bake something unforgettable. ❤️

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this red velvet sheet cake belongs in your dessert rotation:

• ✅ Moist and tender – Buttermilk keeps every crumb soft and light.
• ❤️ Perfect for any celebration – Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because.
• 🍫 A hint of cocoa – Just enough to deepen the flavor without overwhelming.
• 🧁 Velvety frosting – That dreamy cream cheese layer adds tangy sweetness.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Feeds a crowd – Easy to slice and serve for family gatherings or potlucks.
• ⏰ Quick & no fuss – One pan, simple steps, and no stacking layers.
• 🎨 Picture-perfect – That rich red crumb looks gorgeous on any dessert table.

So tell me, friends — will you bake this stunning red velvet beauty for a special date night or your next family reunion? 💌

🧈 Ingredients Needed

To make this red velvet sheet cake from scratch, here’s everything you’ll need — plus a few Chef James pro tips for best results:

🧁 For the Cake:

• Cake flour (2¼ cups) – Gives the cake that delicate, soft crumb. Tip: Prefer a more rustic texture? Substitute with all-purpose flour minus 2 tbsp per cup.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tbsp) – Just a whisper of chocolate flavor.
• Buttermilk (1 cup) – Adds tang and tenderness. Trader Joe’s and Aldi both carry good options.
• Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – Keeps the cake moist for days.
• Butter (½ cup, room temp) – Rich flavor and structure.
• Granulated sugar (1½ cups) – Balances tang and cocoa.
• Eggs (2 large, room temp) – For lift and moisture.
• White vinegar (1 tbsp) – Reacts with baking soda for a perfect rise.
• Red food coloring (1 tsp gel or 2 tsp liquid) – That iconic hue!
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Warm, sweet base note.
• Baking soda (1 tsp) + salt (½ tsp) – For balance and lift.

🍰 For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Full-fat cream cheese (8 oz) – For a smooth, tangy finish.
• Butter (½ cup) – Softened, for easy blending.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups) – Adjust for sweetness and thickness.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Rounds out the flavor.
• Heavy cream (1 tbsp) – Optional, for fluffier consistency.

Chef James Tip:

“For an extra festive touch, top your frosted cake with fresh raspberries or edible rose petals — they pop beautifully against that crimson backdrop.”

Craving something fruitier? Try the Cherry Chocolate Sheet Cake next time, or go tropical with our Pineapple Sheet Cake — both are crowd favorites!

🧁 How to Cook (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these simple steps to bake your red velvet sheet cake like a pro:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter, oil, and sugar in a large bowl for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Whisk dry ingredients (cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) in a separate bowl.
5. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vinegar, and red food dye — this creates the iconic red velvet base.
6. Alternate additions: Add dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture in 3 rounds, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently to avoid over-beating.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely before frosting with the cream cheese icing.

Chef James’s Extra Tip:

“For a bakery-style finish, chill your cake for 15 minutes before frosting — it makes spreading easier and prevents crumbs from mixing in.”

Looking for more crowd-pleasing options? Don’t miss our Best Sheet Cake Recipes hub — from Carrot Sheet Cake to Pumpkin Sheet Cake, there’s one for every occasion.

🎨 Recipe Tips & Variations

Let’s talk about ways to make this red velvet sheet cake your own! Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a family dinner, or a potluck, here are my go-to variations to keep it fresh and fun:

🍰 1. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Stick with tradition using a rich cream cheese frosting — it’s the best match for the tangy red velvet crumb. Chill the cake before slicing for those perfect, clean squares.

🥥 2. Coconut Red Velvet

Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for texture and a tropical touch. (If you love this combo, try my Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe next!)

🍫 3. Chocolate Lover’s Twist

Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosting or fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence.

🎄 4. Festive Holiday Version

Top with green mint leaves and raspberries — perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day!

🧑‍🍳 Chef James’s Suggestion:

“Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam between the cake and frosting. That sweet-tart surprise adds an elegant twist that makes every bite feel like a pastry shop treat.”

For another moist and crowd-pleasing bake, don’t miss our Banana Sheet Cake — simple, fragrant, and perfect with cream cheese frosting too.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Red velvet cake stays moist and delicious when stored properly. Here’s how to keep yours tasting bakery-fresh:

• At room temperature: Keep it under a cake dome or sealed container for up to 2 days.
• In the refrigerator: Store tightly covered for 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.
• In the freezer: Slice into portions, wrap individually in plastic, then freeze for up to 2 months.

To thaw or reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• For that “just baked” warmth, microwave a slice for 10 seconds.

If you’re building a dessert table, pair this cake with the seasonal favorite Pumpkin Sheet Cake — warm spice meets velvety cocoa!

❓ Part 7 – FAQs (People Also Ask)

Curious how other flavors compare? Try the tangy-sweet Lemon Sheet Cake for a citrusy twist or the rich Texas Sheet Cake if chocolate is calling your name.

🍽️ Part 8 – What to Serve With This Recipe

A good red velvet sheet cake deserves company on the table! Here’s how I love to serve it:

• 🍓 Fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add brightness to each slice.
• ☕ Coffee or espresso – The bitterness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the frosting.
• 🍨 Vanilla ice cream – Because warm cake and cold cream are a match made in heaven.

Hosting a dessert buffet? Alternate squares of this cake with the sunny Lemon Sheet Cake or the cozy Carrot Sheet Cake.

And of course, explore the complete collection on Best Sheet Cake Recipes — your one-stop hub for every flavor, season, and celebration.

Part 9 – More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re as obsessed with sheet cakes as I am, you’re in for a treat. These are a few more of my favorite one-pan wonders — each tried, tested, and perfect for every season:

• 🍌 Banana Sheet Cake Recipe – tender, fragrant, and naturally sweet.
• 🥕 Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe – spiced perfection topped with cream cheese frosting.
• 🍋 Lemon Sheet Cake Recipe – bright, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor.
• 🎃 Pumpkin Sheet Cake Recipe – cozy fall flavors in every bite.

And don’t forget to explore our master guide — the Best Sheet Cake Recipes — where you’ll find everything from fruity twists to rich, chocolatey classics.

📋 Part 10 – Recipe Card (red velvet sheet cake)

❤️ Red Velvet Sheet Cake Recipe

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🍓 Part 11 – Conclusion

And there you have it — the ultimate red velvet sheet cake recipe, perfected for every occasion!
Soft, buttery, tangy, and topped with the silkiest cream cheese frosting, this cake proves that Southern classics never go out of style.

Whether you bake it for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just to make someone smile, it’s guaranteed to be the first dessert to disappear from the table.

If you’re ready to fall in love with more flavors, check out our Best Sheet Cake Recipes — your gateway to simple, stunning cakes that anyone can bake.

And don’t forget to handle dairy safely — always follow USDA guidelines — and for more expert techniques, visit the pros at Food Network.

Bake it, taste it, and tell me: do you prefer your red velvet cake with extra frosting or just a light swirl on top?
Until next time, keep it sweet and Southern. ❤️

– Chef James, Tiramisucake.com