If you're a fan of classic desserts, this homemade red velvet cake recipe is sure to be a hit. With its distinct flavor and vibrant color, it's a standout on any dessert table. The recipe calls for common pantry staples, but the final result is anything but ordinary.
Some key ingredients for this recipe might be cocoa powder, red food coloring, buttermilk, and shortening. While cocoa powder is a staple in most kitchens, red food coloring, buttermilk, and shortening might not be. You can find them in the baking aisle of your local supermarket. It's these ingredients that give the red velvet cake its signature color and texture.
Ingredients for Homemade Red Velvet Cake
Cocoa powder: Gives the cake a mild chocolate flavor.
Red food coloring: Gives the cake its iconic red hue.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tanginess and helps keep the cake moist.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Vanilla extract: Adds sweet, creamy aroma that complements the cocoa.
Shortening: Helps the cake maintain its shape while baking.
White sugar: Sweetens the cake.
Eggs: Adds structure and richness.
All purpose flour: The base for the cake batter.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
Milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
Butter: Gives the frosting its creamy texture.
One reader, Jonis Stine says:
This homemade red velvet cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out moist and flavorful, and the icing was the perfect balance of sweetness. The instructions were easy to follow, and the end result was a showstopper. I'll definitely be making this again for special occasions. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Red Velvet Cake
How to prepare the cake batter: Combine the buttermilk, salt, and vanilla. Cream together the shortening and sugar, then beat in the eggs and stir in the cocoa mixture. Alternate adding the buttermilk mixture with the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the baking soda and vinegar.
How to bake the cake: Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
How to make the icing: In a saucepan, combine the milk and flour, cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Set aside to cool. Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy, then stir in the cooled milk and flour mixture, beating until the icing reaches spreading consistency.
How To Make Homemade Red Velvet Cake
This rich and moist red velvet cake has a wonderful mix of sweet and acidic flavors, from the soft cake down to the creamy frosting!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspunsweetened cocoa powder
- 2ozred food coloring
- 1cupbuttermilk
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ½cupshortening
- 1½cupswhite sugar
- 2eggs
- 2½cupsall purpose flour,sifted
- 1½tspbaking soda
- 1tspwhite vinegar
- 1cupmilk
- 5tbspall purpose flour
- 1cupwhite sugar
- 1cupbutter
- 1tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Grease two 9-inch round pans. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Set aside.
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Combine the buttermilk, salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 1½ cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cocoa mixture. Beat in the buttermilk mixture alternately with the flour, mixing just until incorporated.
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Stir together the baking soda and vinegar, then gently fold into the cake batter. Pour the batter into prepared pans.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Allow to cool completely before frosting. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Icing:
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In a saucepan, combine the milk and 5 tablespoons of flour. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool completely.
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Cream together the butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until light and fluffy, then stir in the cooled milk and flour mixture, beating until the icing reaches spreading consistency.
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Frost the cake, slice, and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 513.99kcal
- Fat: 25.82g
- Saturated Fat: 12.68g
- Trans Fat: 1.75g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.28g
- Carbohydrates: 66.64g
- Fiber: 1.12g
- Sugar: 43.81g
- Protein: 5.58g
- Cholesterol: 70.18mg
- Sodium: 357.32mg
- Calcium: 61.59mg
- Potassium: 119.07mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 153.07µg
- Vitamin C: 0.20mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Red Velvet Cake
When making the red velvet cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help the ingredients blend together more smoothly, resulting in a more uniform texture in your cake. Also, when adding the baking soda and vinegar mixture to the batter, make sure to fold it in gently. This will help to keep the batter light and fluffy, which will result in a softer, more tender cake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Red Velvet Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the cocoa and food coloring paste, buttermilk mixture, and icing a day before. This will save time on the day of baking.
Organize ingredients: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting the recipe to streamline the baking process.
Use quality tools: Invest in good quality cake pans and kitchen tools to ensure even baking and easy cake release.
Room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth and even batter.
Multi-task: While the cake is baking, prepare the icing to save time.
Efficient mixing: Use an electric mixer for efficient and quick mixing of the cake batter and icing.
Proper storage: Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and moisture.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Red Velvet Cake Recipe
cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder is a healthier alternative to cocoa powder as it is less processed and retains more nutrients and antioxidants.
red food coloring - Substitute with beet juice: Beet juice can provide a natural red color to the cake without the use of artificial food coloring.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and vinegar: Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for shortening to add richness and flavor to the cake.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cake flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a lighter and more tender texture in the cake.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to white sugar, adding a hint of caramel flavor to the cake.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs, adding moisture and binding properties to the cake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: If you don't have baking soda, you can use baking powder, but keep in mind that baking powder contains added acidic ingredients.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a slightly fruity flavor to the cake.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in the cake recipe, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Presenting Your Homemade Red Velvet Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the red velvet cake, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant red color of the cake to stand out.
Garnish with fresh berries: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the cake with fresh raspberries and strawberries. Their vibrant colors and natural sweetness will complement the rich flavors of the cake.
Create a chocolate drizzle: Drizzle a luscious chocolate sauce on the plate before placing the cake. This not only adds a visual appeal but also enhances the overall chocolate flavor of the red velvet cake.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and edible rose petals or violets to the presentation. This adds a subtle floral note and a visually stunning element to the dish.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar to create a beautiful contrast and add a touch of sweetness to the presentation.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Place a small dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side of the cake to provide a creamy and indulgent element to the dessert.
Use gold leaf accents: For a luxurious touch, consider adding edible gold leaf accents to the plate. This adds a touch of opulence and sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate a chocolate garnish: Create a delicate chocolate garnish, such as curls or shards, to adorn the top of the cake. This adds a visually appealing and decadent element to the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Red Velvet Cake
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cake batter. It should be large enough to accommodate the volume of the ingredients and allow for thorough mixing.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is useful for creaming the shortening and sugar, as well as beating in the eggs and incorporating the other ingredients. It helps to achieve a smooth and well-mixed cake batter.
9 inch round pans: These pans are used for baking the red velvet cake. They should be greased before pouring the batter to prevent sticking.
Saucepan: A saucepan is necessary for making the icing. It is used to cook the milk and flour mixture over low heat until it thickens.
Whisk: A whisk is handy for combining the cocoa powder and red food coloring to make a smooth paste. It is also useful for mixing the icing until it reaches spreading consistency.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and for transferring the cake batter into the prepared pans.
Oven: An oven is needed for baking the red velvet cake at the specified temperature.
Toothpick: A toothpick is used to check the doneness of the cake. When inserted into the center of the cake, it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is used to chill the cake before serving and to store any leftovers.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Red Velvet Cake
Allow the red velvet cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cake will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. The cake will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The cake will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw a frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
If you have leftover frosting, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let the frosting come to room temperature and stir well before using.
To freeze leftover frosting, place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The frosting will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, let the frosting thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then stir well before using.
How To Reheat Red Velvet Cake Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover red velvet cake is to warm it up gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the frosting is soft and gooey.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place a single slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. Check the cake and heat it for an additional 5-10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery and dry.
If you have a steamer, you can also use it to reheat your red velvet cake. Place the cake in a steamer basket and steam it for 5-7 minutes, or until it is heated through and the frosting is soft and glossy.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat your cake in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of cake on the rack. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the frosting is melted and bubbly.
If you want to get creative, you can also try reheating your red velvet cake in a waffle iron. Preheat the waffle iron and place a slice of cake in the center. Close the lid and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the frosting is crispy and caramelized.
Interesting Fact About Red Velvet Cake
The red velvet cake is said to have originated during the Victorian era, where the use of cocoa powder and buttermilk in the recipe created a chemical reaction that gave the cake its signature red color. This reaction was enhanced by the addition of vinegar and baking soda, which helped to intensify the red hue. The cake's popularity grew during the 20th century, and it became a staple in Southern cuisine, particularly in the United States. Its rich, moist texture and vibrant color have made it a beloved dessert for special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
Is Making Red Velvet Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The homemade red velvet cake recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cocoa powder, buttermilk, and all-purpose flour, are commonly found in most kitchens. However, the use of red food coloring and shortening may increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, taking into account the balance of cost and the delightful taste it offers.
Is Red Velvet Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade red velvet cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The cake contains a significant amount of sugar, butter, and all-purpose flour, which are high in calories, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates. The use of shortening also adds to the unhealthy fat content. Additionally, the recipe calls for a considerable amount of red food coloring, which has been linked to potential health concerns.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Substitute the shortening with healthier oil options like coconut oil or olive oil
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and the icing, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use a natural red food coloring alternative, such as beet juice or pomegranate juice, to achieve the desired color without the artificial additives
- Replace some of the butter in the icing with Greek yogurt or cream cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
- Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries into the cake or as a topping to add natural sweetness and nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Red Velvet Cake Recipe
The recipe provided seems to be a classic red velvet cake recipe with a traditional cream cheese frosting. The use of buttermilk and vinegar will help create a moist and tender crumb, while the cocoa and red food coloring will give the cake its signature color and flavor. The icing, made with a cooked flour and milk base, adds a unique touch to the frosting. Overall, this recipe appears to be a delicious and authentic take on red velvet cake, perfect for any special occasion or celebration.
Enhance Your Homemade Red Velvet Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Courses That Pair Well with Red Velvet Cake
Why trust this Homemade Red Velvet Cake Recipe:
This recipe uses buttermilk to create a moist and tender crumb, while the addition of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives the cake its signature vibrant color and rich flavor. The icing, made with a combination of milk and flour, creates a creamy and luscious texture. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this red velvet cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.
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