Lauren's Red Velvet Cake

The Root's editorial staff is sharing our favorite recipes for summer family gatherings. It might sound crazy to start with dessert, but why not? Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 1/2 c cake flour

1 1/2 c sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 c  corn oil

1 teas vanilla

1 teas cocoa powder

1 teas baking soda

1 teas salt

1 teas vinegar

1 c buttermilk

1 oz bottle red food coloring

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk eggs, sugar, corn oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla and red food coloring into a large bowl.
3. Sift flour with salt, baking soda and cocoa powder. Mix dry ingredients with liquids until combined. Pour into two greased and floured cake pans.
4. Bake for 45 minutes.

5. Let completely cool, then frost with cream cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

3 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup butter (softened)

1 teas vanilla

1 lb powdered sugar

Milk (little by little to make smooth)
1. With an electric mixer, whisk vanilla, cream cheese and butter until fluffy
2. Slowly add in powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. If frosting needs more moisture, add in 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until it's the desired consistency.