What is Red Velvet Cake? All About This Southern Treat

Plus, how it gets that bold red hue.

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More than just a luxurious fabric, red velvet is a decadent cake that’s iconic to American baking. Originally served as a traditional layer cake, red velvet has taken the country by storm, seen in cupcakes, ice cream cups, whoopie pies, special-edition Oreos, and more. The traditional version is a classic combo that blends both vanilla and chocolate for a subtle, delicious flavor in a moist, just-decadent-enough cake that pairs so well with cream cheese frosting. Ready to try it for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know about red velvet cake to maximize your red velvet appreciation.

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What is Red Velvet Cake?

“Red Velvet Cake is a light, dark red chocolate cake,” says Bobbie Lloyd, CEO and Head Bakery Manager of Magnolia Bakery,

In his cookbook, The Magnolia Bakery Handbook: A Complete Guide for the Home BakerShe explains that the history of red velvet cake is a bit obscure, but it has been around for a long time. “There has been much debate about the origins of red velvet cake, widely considered a Southern tradition dating back to the late 1800s, though it is believed that the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City was among the first to introduce a very red cake to its menu in the late 1950s,” Lloyd writes.

What flavor is Red Velvet cake?

Red velvet tastes different than you might expect from its appearance.

“The taste is unique. Red Velvet is a vanilla cake with a small amount of rich dark cocoa added, which gives it a slight chocolate flavor. They also add apple cider vinegar, which causes a chemical reaction with the cocoa, giving the cake a reddish-brown color,” Lloyd explains. “At Magnolia Bakery, we use an old-fashioned frosting called ‘whipped vanilla’ to top this delicate cake.”

What makes Red Velvet cake red?

Red Velvet cake turns red due to the reaction between acidic vinegar and cocoa. Although some people use food coloring to enhance the color of their Red Velvet desserts, this is not the traditional method.

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“As with any cake, the key to a delicious red velvet cake is in the details,” says Lloyd. “Make sure to follow the recipe exactly to ensure the key chemical reactions happen at the right time and in the right way, and don’t overmix your batter to achieve that light, delicate texture.”

Red Velvet Cake Recipes

Now that you know all about red velvet cake, go ahead and have fun in the kitchen with these delicious red velvet recipes.

Red Velvet Brownie Pie

Victor Protasio

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This decadent, brownie-like treat brings out all the sweetness of red velvet and makes it even richer. Homemade frosting ties the chocolatey layers together, and red sprinkles can help set off the bright color.

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Red Velvet Doberge Cake with Cream Cheese

Antonis Achilleos; Accessories Stylist: Lydia Pursell; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

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Say hello to the most beautiful red velvet cake. This twist on a beloved family recipe uses thin layers, along with homemade cheesecake custard, to treat a large cake, finished with white chocolate frosting. It’s a project worthy of a special occasion.

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Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

For a smaller version of Red Velvet Cake that’s easier to share, make cupcakes. Unfrosted cupcakes can also be frozen and enjoyed later.

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Red Velvet Cake

Serious Meal / Debbie Wee

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For a classic red velvet cake, follow this recipe, which uses buttermilk for tartness. The thick layers stick together with a homemade cream cheese frosting.

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