Red Velvet Cake

INGREDIENTS

For the cake::

2 cups

all purpose flour

1 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

baking soda

1 tsp

salt

2 tbsp

unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups

granulated sugar

1 cup

vegetable oil

large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup

buttermilk

2 tsp

vanilla extract

2 tsp

red gel food coloring, plus more if needed

1 tsp

distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup

plain hot coffee (or water)

For the cream cheese frosting::

16 oz

cream cheese, at room temperature

2 sticks

unsalted butter, at room temperature

to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

2 tsp

vanilla extract

4 cups

powdered sugar, sifted