Southern Red Velvet Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly oil and flour three 9x1 1/2" round pans.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart.

Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

While the cakes are baking, make the icing.

In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a handheld electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated.

Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)

Reduce the mixer speed to low.

Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally).

Story in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff before using.

Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans.

One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded sides up; let cool completely.

Frost the cake.

Place 1 layer, rounded side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand.

Using a palette knife or offset spatula, spread some of the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough to make 1/4" to 1/2" layer.)

Carefully set another layer on top, rounded side down, and repeat.

Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

OPTIONAL: Sprinkle the top with toasted pecans.

http://m.foodnetwork.com/recipes/23379