Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch cake pan with parchment paper.
Combine cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix vanilla, buttermilk, eggs, and oil.
Add sugar, vinegar, and food dye, then mix.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Pour in hot water and mix.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes.
For the icing, beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add salt, almond extract, and vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
Spread or pipe icing over the cooled cake. Enjoy!