Recognizable with its bright red color, the red velvet cake is probably one of the most passionate cakes! If its look does not fail to impress, the red velvet cake is not very difficult to make. Here are our tips, recipes and tips to learn everything about this famous American dessert.
Red velvet cake is an American chocolate and vanilla cake, often served at Christmas or more particularly for Valentine’s Day, generally made up of several layers, and covered with cream cheese. The red color, on the other hand, has nothing to do with taste, but simply comes from a food coloring, although this was not always the case.
Origin of red velvet cake
The red velvet cake recipe was created in the southern United States in the mid-19e century, during the Victorian era. Considered refined at the time, the dessert took the name “red velvet”, which means “red velvet” in French. During World War II, pastry chefs used boiled beet juice to give it its unique red color. The beets also made it easier to maintain the soft texture of the cake. Subsequently, this ingredient was replaced by food coloring, but some purists still use it.
In recent years, the red velvet cake has become fashionable again in the United States, but also in many European countries, particularly around Valentine’s Day, red being the color of love. There are now many variations of the classic recipe. In cooking, we find red velvet in all forms: in cupcakes, waffles, donuts, cheesecake, and sometimes even in drinks.
How to make a red velvet cake?
If its look intimidates some, the red velvet cake is actually quite easy to make. In the original recipe, it is made mainly from butter, cocoa powder, eggs, sugar and flour. However, three special ingredients guarantee its exceptionally soft texture: vinegar, baking soda, as well as buttermilk, or fermented milk (buttermilk can be used).
The intense red paste
To make a red velvet cake, we first start by mixing the cocoa with the flour, preferably T45, and a little salt. In another bowl, cream the butter, powdered sugar, and liquid vanilla extract. In order, add the eggs, the dry mixture, and the buttermilk, stirring with a whisk each time. We then incorporate the food coloring, red in color for a red velvet worthy of the name. Start with a small amount first, then add depending on the color intensity of the mixture. In another container, activate the baking soda with the vinegar, before mixing with the rest of the paste.
For baking, we use several molds which we butter with a brush in order to make the different layers of the cake. However, it is entirely possible to make a red velvet cake on only one layer, if you only have one mold. As for cooking, allow 20 minutes.
The immaculate cream cheese frosting
For the filling and icing, mix cream cheese with liquid cream, icing sugar and a little liquid vanilla. We then spread the resulting mixture evenly on each layer, before superimposing them on top of each other. Once you reach the top layer, cover the entire cake with cream. And There you go ! All you have to do is decorate as you wish, always with cream, or chocolate shavings. And to never run out of inspiration again, here are 13 delicious red velvet cake recipes.
Red velvet layer cake
© Sarah from the Boma bakery blog
We opt for the classic version of the red velvet cake, soft, tender and perfectly chocolatey.
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Red velvet cookies
© Allie from the blog Baking a moment
In addition to being delicious, these adorable heart-shaped red velvet cookies are perfect for decorating your Valentine’s Day table.
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Red velvet cake with coconut oil
© Molly from the blog My name is yeh
On her blog, Molly uses coconut oil instead of butter for a lightly flavored, healthier red velvet cake.
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Red Velvet Donuts
© Friend of the foodduchess blog
For a 100% American dessert, why not take it to the next level by making red velvet-style donuts? A colorful and ultra-gourmet recipe.
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Red velvet layer cake
© Jaclyn from the blog Cooking classy
With its bright color and immaculate topping, this red velvet cake is ideal for finishing any meal in style.
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Red velvet cupcakes
© Ashley from the Baker by nature blog
For a dessert worthy of the New York streets, we opt for these adorable red velvet cupcakes. A delight!
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Mini red velvet cakes
© Lorena Salinas from the blog Cravings journal
What’s better than a red velvet cake? The miniature version of it, of course!
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Vegan red velvet cake and chocolate ganache
© Valentina from the blog The baking fairy
Covered in ganache, this vegan red velvet chocolate chip cake has it all.
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Red velvet cream cheese cake
© Elizabeth Marek from the Sugar geek show blog
We crumble a little of the cake as decoration, for a soft touch.
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Red velvet cheesecake cake
© Jen from the blog Carls Bad craving
This recipe combines two classics of American baking: red velvet and cheesecake. For twice the fun!
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Red velvet fondant cake
© Tieghan Gerard from the blog Half baked harvest
How can you resist the chocolate dripping from these red velvet-style fondants? The perfect recipe for a romantic dinner.
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Classic red velvet cake
© Lorena Salinas from the blog Cravings journal
What’s better than the classic version of red velvet, made with cocoa and vinegar?
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Red velvet cake
© Anne from the Annabellas blog
We love this red velvet-style cake, extra soft, and its cream cheese filling.
Discover the recipe here