Red Velvet Poke Cake (from scratch)

INGREDIENTS

8 tbsp

unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups

granulated sugar

1/4 cup

red liquid food coloring (or 1 tsp. if using gel: see notes)

2 tsp

vanilla extract

eggs

2 1/4 cups

all-purpose flour

5 tbsp

unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp

salt

1 tsp

baking soda

1 cup

buttermilk

1 tbsp

distilled white vinegar

1 12 ounce can

sweetened condensed milk (I used half)

3 cups

powdered sugar

1/2 cup

butter, room temperature

8 oz

(1 block) original cream cheese, room temperature for 30 minutes

1/4 tsp

salt

1 1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

2 tbsp

milk or heavy cream