Recipes of the World - Red Velvet Cake
Hi everyone - today's recipe come from the Southern part of the United States although it gained noteriety by being featured at the New York hotel the Waldorf-Astoria in the early 20th Century. Here's how to make this signature cake....
Perfect Red Velvet Cake Recipe
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:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat to combine.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Level the Cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to ensure even layers.
Frosting Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top, and spread more frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: Decorate the cake as desired. You can use cake crumbs, sprinkles, or any other decorations you like.
Expert Tips for a Successful Red Velvet Cake:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Proper Measuring: Accurately measure your ingredients, especially the flour. Too much flour can make the cake dry.
Use Gel Food Coloring: For a vibrant red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring.
Even Cake Layers: Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between the cake pans for even layers.
Chill the Cake: After frosting, chill the cake for about 30 minutes to help the frosting set and make it easier to slice.
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes before spreading it on the cake.
And enjoy!!
