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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Add the buttermilk and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter will be slightly thinner than traditional cake batter, but this is normal.
5. Bake the Cake Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue mixing until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
7. Frost the Cake Bars:
Once the cake bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting and create a nice, even layer.
8. Cut and Serve:
Cut the cake into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve immediately, or refrigerate to set the frosting for a firmer texture.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cake Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for an even and smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
- Customize the Frosting: If you prefer a tangier frosting, you can increase the amount of cream cheese in the frosting recipe. For a more buttery flavor, you can adjust the amount of butter to your liking.
- Chill the Bars: If you have the time, refrigerating the frosted bars for an hour or two before serving helps the frosting set and makes them easier to slice.
Variations and Additions
While this red velvet cake bar recipe is simple and delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it:
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before slicing.
- Layered Frosting: If you want to make the frosting even more indulgent, you can add a layer of ganache over the cream cheese frosting for a richer taste.
- Red Velvet Trifle: Layer the cake bars, frosting, and fresh berries in a trifle dish for an elegant presentation at your next gathering.
Why These Red Velvet Cake Bars are a Hit
Red velvet cake bars are a fun and easy way to enjoy the rich flavor and vibrant color of a classic red velvet cake without all the work. The combination of moist, soft cake and creamy, tangy frosting makes these bars irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re perfect for serving at birthday parties, holidays, or any time you want to impress your friends and family with a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Final Thoughts
Red velvet cake bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their rich flavor, striking color, and easy-to-make nature, these bars bring all the charm of a traditional red velvet cake into a more convenient and shareable format. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply craving a slice of indulgence, these cake bars will not disappoint. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to be amazed by how easy and delicious these red velvet cake bars are!
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