Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Description: Here is the Red Velvet Cake recipe, bestowed upon me by Urban Legend Master Jan Harold Brunvand (yes, the esteemed author himself; a personal acquaintance of mine). This iconic dessert, also dubbed the “$500 cake” or “Waldorf-Astoria Cake,” has been circulating since the 1950s, courtesy of the Adams Extract company of Austin, TX. It stands as just one rendition of this legendary confection, and indeed, a delectable one at that.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Kid Friendly, Potluck, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 6489.7
- Fat Content: 332.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 87.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 416mg
- Sodium Content: 5279.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 820.1g
- Fiber Content: 9.5g
- Sugar Content: 514.5g
- Protein Content: 62.2g
Recipe Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 2 ounces red food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon flour (for frosting)
- 1 cup milk (for frosting)
- 1 cup shortening (for frosting)
- 1 cup sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
Instructions:
- Begin making the cake by creaming shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, make a paste of cocoa and food coloring, then add it to the first mixture.
- Alternately add flour and buttermilk to the mixture, blending well after each addition.
- In a small bowl, mix baking soda and vinegar, then add it to the batter and blend thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into three 9-inch or 10-inch cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- For the frosting, cook milk, flour, and salt in a saucepan until thickened, stirring constantly. Let it cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla. Combine this mixture with the cooled milk mixture and beat well.
- Cover the cooled cakes with the frosting.
- As you serve the cake, regale your guests with the legendary tale associated with it.
- Reference: Brunvand, “The Vanishing Hitchhiker,” NY: WW Norton, 1981, 154-160; more information forthcoming in Brunvand, “The Brain Drain and other Timely Tales,” Urbana: Univ of Ill Press, 1999.
- If you cannot access Adams products, suitable substitutes are readily available.
Additional Notes:
- For a festive twist, consider making Green Velvet Cake by substituting green food coloring for red, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Alternatively, mix red and yellow food coloring for an orange hue, ideal for Halloween celebrations.
This Red Velvet Cake recipe, steeped in tradition and folklore, promises to be a delightful addition to any occasion, be it a family gathering, potluck, or holiday celebration. Enjoy the taste of history with every decadent bite!
