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Soft & Rich Green Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 74 reviews

This Soft & Rich Green Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a vibrant twist on the classic velvet cake, featuring a moist and tender crumb infused with green food coloring and a hint of cocoa. Topped with a smooth and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion where you want a visually stunning and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons green food coloring
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, if necessary

Instructions

  1. Prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 7-inch cake pans with oil or butter, line the bottoms with parchment paper circles, and grease the parchment to ensure easy cake release.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  3. Combine wet ingredients and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, melted butter, and sugar until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Add eggs and liquids: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add sour cream, water, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and combined.
  5. Add cocoa powder and food coloring: Stir in the cocoa powder until evenly blended. Then, incorporate the green food coloring thoroughly to get an even vibrant green hue.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until nearly combined. Then fold in the remaining dry ingredients carefully, avoiding overmixing.
  7. Divide batter and bake: Evenly divide the cake batter among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully before frosting.
  9. Make cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add flavorings and sugar: Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed until fully incorporated.
  11. Adjust consistency: Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add additional powdered sugar.
  12. Assemble the cake: Stack the cooled cake layers on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between each layer and then cover the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting, smoothing it evenly.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix batter to prevent dense cake texture.
  • Use preferably gel-based green food coloring for vibrant color without altering batter consistency.
  • Adjust frosting thickness with milk/heavy cream or powdered sugar as needed.
  • Store cake covered in the refrigerator to keep frosting fresh, bring to room temperature before serving.