Red Velvet Cake: A Festive Recipe for Perfectly Moist Layers and Creamy Frosting

As the holiday season approaches, kitchens around the world are filled with the delightful aromas of baking. One dessert that has become a beloved staple during this time is none other than the Red Velvet Cake. With its striking red color and smooth, creamy frosting, this cake not only tastes divine but also brings a festive touch to any gathering. Whether served at Christmas parties or enjoyed during family celebrations, this classic dessert never fails to impress.

The rich history of red velvet cake dates back to the early 20th century, and its popularity has only grown. The combination of a moist texture and the subtle hint of cocoa makes it unique among other cakes. In this article, we’ll explore a foolproof recipe for Red Velvet Cake, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s get started on this delightful baking adventure!

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A slice of rich red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting and decorated with sprinkles

Red Velvet Cake

This red velvet cake is a moist, creamy delight perfect for holidays and special occasions. With its rich flavor and beautiful appearance, it’s sure to be a showstopper!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

For the Icing:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  3. In a small bowl, combine red food coloring and cocoa powder to create a paste; add this to the creamed mixture.
  4. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the flour, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda; gently fold this into the cake batter.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate to cool completely.
  8. For the icing, heat milk and flour in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until thick. Let it cool completely.
  9. Beat sugar, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cooled flour mixture and beat until smooth.
  10. Frost the cooled cake layers and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
  • Author: Ola Recipes
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 513
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 12g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 67g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 37mg
  1. tions, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings.
  2. Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • White Sugar: Provides sweetness. You can swap in brown sugar to add a richer, more complex flavour.
  • Shortening: Gives the cake a tender texture. You can use unsalted butter if preferred.
  • Red Food Coloring: Essential for the signature red hue. Gel food colouring works best for vibrant results.
  • Buttermilk adds moisture and tanginess. You can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavour. Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer taste.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.

Close-up view of a freshly baked red velvet cake topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and a light dusting of red cake crumbs for decoration

Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Shortening

Combine the white sugar and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, which will help the cake rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs in one step at a mixing them thoroughly with each addition. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

Red velvet cake slice on a white plate, showing its vibrant red layers and creamy frosting in between, ideal for dessert lovers.

Step 4: Create the Cocoa Paste

Mix the red food colouring with cocoa powder in a small bowl to form a paste. This combination contributes to the cake’s colour and enhances its flavour.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and vanilla extract in another bowl. This mixture will add moisture and flavour to the cake.

Overhead shot of a full red velvet cake garnished with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and red crumb details for a festive look

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour into a separate bowl. Add the flour mix in the creamed mix, and then alternate with the buttermilk mixture. Stir gently until just combined to prevent overworking the batter.

Step 7: Mix in Vinegar and Baking Soda

A small dish mix baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl. The mixture will fizz, creating a leavening effect. Gently fold this into the batter to add fluffiness.

Step 8: Bake

Distribute the batter equally among the pans that have been prepared. Bake for 30-minutes or so until a sharp toothpick placed in the middle is clear. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Individual serving of red velvet cake, highlighting its moist texture, rich red color, and generous cream cheese frosting layers

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

Heat the milk and flour in a saucepan over low heat to make the icing, stirring constantly until thick. Once cooled, the sugar, butter, and vanilla are melted until fluffy. Gradually add the cooled milk mixture until smooth.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost each layer generously with creamy icing. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavours of your homemade red velvet cake!

Close-up of the interior layers of a red velvet cake slice, showcasing its perfect blend of moist cake and creamy frosting

Expert Tips for Success

  • Room-Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing results, ensure that your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix until combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
  • Check for Doneness: Ovens vary; check your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
  • Cooling: Let the cakes cool completely prior to frosting, so as to ensure that the icing isn’t melting.

Variations and Customizations

  • Chocolate Red Velvet: Increase the cocoa powder for a more pronounced chocolate flavour.
  • Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
  • Different Frosting: Try cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache for a unique twist.
  • Mini Cakes: Bake in smaller cake pans for individual servings or cupcakes for a fun party treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Storing Leftovers: Any leftover cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them on the counter for upto two months.
  • Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your red velvet cake with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
  • Fresh berries for a burst of flavour.
  • A dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the essential components of authentic red velvet cake?
Red velvet cake, a stunning dessert perfect for a special dinner finale, is crafted from a unique combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring. The cake’s distinctive texture comes from the chemical reaction between these ingredients: cocoa powder (2-3 tablespoons, not enough for a full chocolate flavor), buttermilk for tenderness, and vinegar which reacts with natural cocoa powder to create a fine, velvet-like crumb. Traditional recipes include cream cheese frosting, which has become inseparable from the cake’s identity.

What creates red velvet cake’s signature flavor profile?
Red velvet cake offers a subtle, complex flavor that’s neither fully vanilla nor fully chocolate. Its unique taste comes from the combination of slight chocolate notes (from a small amount of cocoa), the tanginess of buttermilk and cream cheese frosting, and a slight acidity from vinegar. The flavor is often described as subtle, buttery, with hints of chocolate and a gentle tanginess that complements its signature cream cheese frosting.

What is the historical significance of red velvet’s coloring?
The “red velvet” name originated in the Victorian era, referring to the cake’s smooth, velvet-like texture. The natural reddish-brown color originally came from a chemical reaction between cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk. Modern recipes typically enhance this color with food coloring, but the original reddish hue was a natural result of the interaction between acidic ingredients and natural cocoa powder, which contained anthocyanins that turned red in acidic environments.

How does red velvet differ from traditional chocolate cake?
Red velvet is distinctly different from chocolate cake in both composition and flavor. While chocolate cake contains significant amounts of cocoa powder (usually 1/2 to 3/4 cup), red velvet uses just 2-3 tablespoons, creating a much more subtle chocolate taste. The cake’s unique texture comes from the specific chemical reaction between buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa powder, resulting in a finer, more tender crumb than traditional chocolate cake. Additionally, authentic red velvet cake is always paired with cream cheese frosting, while chocolate cake typically features chocolate frosting.

  1. Classic Chocolate Cake: A rich, moist chocolate cake perfect for any occasion.
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  3. Lemon Drizzle Cake: A light and zesty cake that’s refreshing and perfect for spring.

Red Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert; it celebrates flavour, colour, and tradition. This recipe combines classic elements with creativity, making it an ideal choice for any holiday or special gathering. With its moist texture and creamy frosting, this cake will become a favourite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning red velvet cake. Happy baking!

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