This is the Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

When we think of cake flavors, chocolate and vanilla are the most common. But those of us who like to deviate from the norm may want to experiment a bit. That’s where red velvet cake comes in.

Red velvet cake was believed to have originated during Victorian times. During that time, cakes were often referred to as ‘velvet’ to let people know they had a smooth, velvety texture. Read on to find out more about how the cake evolved over time.

Is Red Velvet Cake Chocolate?

Yes.

Red velvet cake can be described as a cherry-flavored, crimson, or scarlet chocolate cake. Often, red dye or beetroot is added to give it its color, but the red color was originally due to the use of non-Dutched, anthocyanin chocolate.

Today, common ingredients for the cake include flour, buttermilk, butter, cocoa, and vinegar.

History of Red Velvet Cake

The cake first came about around the same time the devil’s food cake was introduced. The main differences between the two include the color and flavor, and the fact that the devil’s food cake used chocolate whereas red velvet cake used cocoa. The cocoa serves to soften the flour in the cake to give it a smoother texture.

Although red velvet cake was reported to originate in the 1800s, it became more popular when recipes for the dessert started appearing in cookbooks in the 1900s.

Its popularity continued to grow during WWII when butter and sugar were rationed and beets were often added to cakes to give them a moister texture. The coloring provided also gave the cakes a more appealing appearance.

Today, beets are not necessarily used in all red velvet cakes, but some recipes do call for them. However, in modern times, most recipes use food coloring instead.

Despite early versions of the red velvet cake, the Adams Extract company credits itself as being the first to introduce the ‘original’ red velvet cake. The unveiling was said to have taken place in the 1920s at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. From there, it went on to become a popular menu item.

Others claim that the cake started in the South and grew in popularity over time.  

Because red velvet is such a popular cake flavor, it has been used to make a variety of items, including cake pops, waffles, Pop-tarts, alcoholic beverages, teas, lattes, and protein powders. The scent has also been used in candles and air fresheners. Due to dietary restrictions, it can also be found in vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free variations.

Is Red Food Coloring Safe?

These days, red velvet cake is given its distinctive color by red food coloring more often than with beetroot extract. There are many concerns over the safety of red food coloring, especially as people come across more and more articles online highlighting its issues. Is it actually safe?

One common risk you'll hear online is that red food dye can cause ADHD in children. There is no concrete research to suggest this. Rather, red food dye can make ADHD worse in children who already have it. If a child in your family has ADHD, it may be wise to avoid or moderate intake of red food dye. Talk to their doctor for additional information.

Another concern over red food dye is the potential for adverse effects on the body. While no research exists to support the claim that red food dye can cause problems in otherwise healthy individuals, it is possible to be allergic to it. If you're allergic to red food dye, you can experience some issues.

The symptoms you'll experience vary, but those who are sensitive to red food dye will often experience a migraine after consuming it. You may also develop an allergic reaction on your skin. If you experience these symptoms after eating something with red food dye in it, talk to your doctor.

There is no reason to think that red food dye is unsafe. If you would rather not use it, however, you can always substitute in beetroot extract, the traditional ingredient used to give red velvet cake its color.

Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe

The recipe for red velvet cake can vary, usually based upon the amount of shortening, butter, and vegetable oil that is used. This can make for cakes that can be moist and fluffy or a bit denser. While we can’t say which one you will prefer, we think the recipe we have here offers the perfect balance of all ingredients involved.

We have also included a recipe for the icing. Traditionally the cake is topped with a French-style butter roux icing, which is also called ermine icing. This icing is very light and fluffy, but it can also be time-consuming to prepare. This may be part of the reason why cream cheese and buttercream icings have become more popular choices over time. Chocolate frosting is another common option.  

The icing we provide the recipe for is a great buttercream that we think makes the perfect topping for our cake. Cooks also have the option to add pecans to the top of the cake.

Here are some other tips to ensure your cake is a success:

• Start with all ingredients at room temperature. This will make for a cake that is thoroughly cooked through.
• Once you have whisked the ingredients together, remove any lumps of cocoa powder to keep the cake light.
• When mixing the butter and sugar, try creaming the two together for about 4 or 5 minutes. This will bring more air into the mixture making the cake lighter and fluffier overall.

Red velvet cake is the perfect cake to serve at special occasions. Its bright festive color provides just the right amount of cheer and its light fluffy taste is perfect for pleasing vanilla and chocolate lovers alike.

But, of course, any occasion can be the perfect occasion for serving red velvet cake, so why not whip one up for your family tonight? 

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe and our Chocolate Angel Food Cake Recipe.

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