Red Velvet Cake – A Lighter Spin on a Classic Southern Favorite

This Red Velvet Cake is rich, velvety, and decadently delicious—everything you love about the Southern classic, reimagined with better-for-you ingredients. With its vibrant red crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and creamy light frosting, this cake brings elegance to any occasion while keeping things lighter and more mindful. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day that calls for a little slice of joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lighter Ingredients: Uses applesauce and reduced-fat cream cheese without sacrificing flavor.
Moist & Fluffy Texture: Perfectly soft crumb with a hint of cocoa.
Crowd-Friendly: A showstopper that feels indulgent but fits your goals.
Perfectly Sweet: Not too heavy, just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp red food coloring

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt (optional for added creaminess)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sugar, applesauce, melted butter, egg, vanilla, buttermilk, vinegar, and food coloring. Stir until well blended.

4. Combine & Bake
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet until fully combined—don’t overmix. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 23–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

5. Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and Greek yogurt (if using) until smooth and creamy.

6. Frost & Serve
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into 12 portions and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 160
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Unsweetened Applesauce: Helps keep the cake moist with fewer calories.
• Don’t Skip the Vinegar: It reacts with cocoa to enhance the cake’s iconic red hue.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Prevents the frosting from melting.
• Customize It: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries on top for a fresh twist.

Why This Recipe Works

This cake brings together the luxurious flavor of red velvet with a moist, light texture and a creamy frosting that tastes indulgent but uses smart swaps. It’s satisfying, elegant, and perfect for special occasions or mindful indulgence any day.

Red Velvet Cake doesn’t have to be heavy to be heavenly. This version offers all the flavor and beauty of the classic dessert—minus the excess. Whether you’re sharing it with guests or savoring a slice solo, it’s proof that you can enjoy a stunning dessert while keeping things balanced and simple.