🍰 Red Velvet Cake for Juneteenth: A Sweet Slice of History & Celebration

✨ Why Red Velvet Cake Is a Juneteenth Staple

Juneteenth is more than a historical date — it’s a powerful celebration of freedom, culture, and community. Traditionally, red foods take center stage at Juneteenth gatherings, representing strength, resilience, and the bloodshed of enslaved ancestors. One of the most beloved red desserts? Red velvet cake.

This rich, moist cake with a hint of cocoa and a luscious cream cheese frosting is more than just a treat—it’s a symbol of pride and togetherness passed down through generations.

🧁 Red Velvet Cake Recipe (From-Scratch, Soulful & Simple)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

🔸 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (room temp)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs (room temp)
  • 1 oz red food coloring (liquid or gel)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 ½–3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

2. Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth. Add buttermilk and vinegar, stirring to combine.

4. Combine:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—don’t overmix!

5. Bake:

Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, then vanilla and a pinch of salt. Mix until fluffy.

7. Assemble & Frost:

Once cakes are fully cooled, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with red sprinkles or fresh strawberries if desired.

🥄 Pro Tips:

  • Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup milk, let sit for 5 mins.
  • Use gel coloring for a more vibrant red and less liquid in your batter.
  • Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.

❤️ Why It Belongs on Your Juneteenth Table

Red velvet cake isn’t just visually stunning—it embodies history and heritage. Passed down through Black Southern kitchens, this cake reminds us to honor those who came before while enjoying the sweetness of freedom.

Sharing this cake is an act of remembrance and joy. Add it to your Juneteenth menu and let each bite tell a story.

📌 Share the Love!

Did you make this recipe? Tag @GoldenAligned on Instagram or Pinterest and share your Juneteenth celebration using #GoldenAlignedKitchen and #JuneteenthDesserts!

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