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Red Velvet Cake





Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Description

This red velvet cake recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it a favorite for any special occasion. With its vibrant red color, subtle cocoa flavor, and luxurious cream cheese frosting, this cake stands out in both appearance and taste. The combination of buttermilk and vinegar in the batter creates a tender, moist crumb that melts in your mouth, making it an unforgettable dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 pound cream cheese, softened
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions – Red Velvet Cake

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour Batter into Pans:
    • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  6. Bake the Cakes:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Frosting:
    • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  8. Assemble the Cake:
    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
  9. Decorate:
    • Decorate the cake as desired. You can add cake crumbs, red sprinkles, or fresh berries for a festive touch.

Tips and Variations – Red Velvet Cake

  • Cake Layers: For more layers, divide the batter into three 8-inch pans instead of two 9-inch pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
  • Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for achieving a vibrant red color without affecting the consistency of the batter.
  • Chocolate Flavor: For a deeper chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons.
  • Frosting Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
  • Storing: Store the cake in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling time)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 80g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 60g
  • Sodium: 350mg

Historical Facts about Red Velvet Cake

Origins in the Victorian Era

Red velvet cake has a rich history that dates back to the Victorian era. During this time, “velvet” cakes were popular, characterized by their soft, velvety crumb. These cakes were made with ingredients like almond flour, cocoa, or cornstarch to achieve a fine texture. The red velvet cake we know today evolved from these early velvet cakes, incorporating the distinctive red color and the unique flavor profile that sets it apart.

The Role of Cocoa and Buttermilk

The original red velvet cake recipe used cocoa powder and buttermilk as key ingredients. The combination of cocoa and acidic buttermilk, along with vinegar, helped to tenderize the flour and create the cake’s signature texture. The chemical reaction between these ingredients also contributed to the reddish hue of the cake, which was more subdued compared to the vibrant red seen in modern versions.

The Emergence of Food Coloring – Red Velvet Cake

The vibrant red color that defines contemporary red velvet cake is largely attributed to the introduction of red food coloring. During the 1940s, the Adams Extract Company, based in Texas, began promoting red velvet cake with the addition of their red food coloring. This marketing campaign significantly boosted the popularity of the cake, making it a staple in American desserts.

The Great Depression and Wartime

During the Great Depression and World War II, bakers often used beet juice to enhance the red color of the cake due to rationing and scarcity of certain ingredients. This practice not only provided the desired color but also added moisture to the cake, enhancing its texture. Some modern recipes still incorporate beet juice as a natural coloring agent.

Popularity in the Southern United States

Red velvet cake has a particularly strong association with Southern cuisine. It became a beloved dessert in the Southern United States, often featured at holidays, weddings, and other special occasions. Its unique flavor and striking appearance made it a favorite among Southern bakers and dessert enthusiasts.

Modern-Day Red Velvet Cake

Today, red velvet cake is enjoyed worldwide and has inspired a variety of dessert creations, including red velvet cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream. The cake’s luxurious texture and distinctive flavor make it a versatile base for numerous culinary innovations. Despite these variations, the traditional red velvet cake, with its tender crumb and cream cheese frosting, remains a timeless favorite.

This red velvet cake recipe brings together the best elements of this beloved dessert: a moist, tender crumb with a hint of cocoa and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Its vibrant red color makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this red velvet cake is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy the delicious flavors and rich history of this iconic cake with each bite.