Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature is best)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 oz. red food coloring
• Cream cheese frosting for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until creamy and smooth.
3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a rubber spatula to fold everything together. Do not overmix.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar and red food coloring. Add this to the cake batter.
7. Evenly divide the batter between two 9-inch cake pans lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10