Devilishly Rich Red Velvet Cake
Indulge your senses with this decadent Devilishly Rich Red Velvet Cake, a luscious treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a hint of vanilla. This cake not only boasts a stunning crimson hue but delivers a moist, tender crumb that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for something special, this beloved recipe has delighted dessert lovers since 1966. Join the ranks of happy bakers and impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dessert. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why it's a timeless classic!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (divided)
salt
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
cold water
1/3 cup
cocoa powder
1/2 cup (sifted)
flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
cold water
1 cup
egg whites
3 (beaten)
sugar
3/4 cup
baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
cold water
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, soften the shortening by stirring it until creamy.
3
Gradually add 1 cup of sugar while creaming the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy.
4
Incorporate salt and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
5
Add the sifted flour alternately with 1 cup of cold water, starting and ending with the flour, beating thoroughly after each addition.
6
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually incorporate 3/4 cup sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, then gently fold this meringue into the batter.
7
Dissolve the baking soda in 1/3 cup of cold water and stir this mixture into the batter until fully incorporated.
8
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking pans, smoothing the tops gently.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary based on the size of your pans.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Devilishly Rich Red Velvet Cake?
It is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a hint of vanilla, featuring a stunning crimson hue and a moist, tender crumb.
How long has this recipe been around?
This beloved recipe has been delighting dessert lovers and happy bakers since 1966.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pans are required?
You should use two 9-inch round baking pans for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pans?
The baking pans should be greased and floured before adding the batter.
What type of fat is used in the cake?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shortening, which should be softened before mixing.
How do I start mixing the shortening?
Soften the shortening by stirring it in a large mixing bowl until it reaches a creamy consistency.
When do I add the sugar to the shortening?
Gradually add 1 cup of sugar to the softened shortening while creaming the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
What flavor extracts are included in the recipe?
The cake is flavored with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with 1 teaspoon of salt.
How should the flour be added to the batter?
Add 2.5 cups of sifted flour alternately with 1 cup of cold water, starting and ending with the flour.
Is there a specific way to beat the batter after adding flour?
Yes, you should beat the mixture thoroughly after each addition of flour and water.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Beat 3 egg whites in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, then gradually incorporate 3/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form.
How is the meringue incorporated into the cake?
The meringue, made from egg whites and sugar, should be gently folded into the batter.
How is the baking soda added to the recipe?
Dissolve 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda in 1/3 cup of cold water and then stir it into the batter.
How do I ensure the top of the cake is even?
Carefully pour the batter into the pans and smooth the tops gently before baking.
What is the approximate baking time?
The cake typically bakes for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I test if the cake is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it is done if the toothpick comes out clean.
Does the baking time change based on pan size?
Yes, baking time may vary depending on the specific size of the pans used.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in the baking pans for 10 minutes before removing them.
Where should the cakes cool after being removed from the pans?
Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to allow them to cool completely.
How much cocoa powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sifted cocoa powder.
What is the total amount of cold water needed?
The recipe uses cold water in three parts: 1/3 cup, then 1 cup, and finally another 1/3 cup to dissolve the soda.
What occasions is this cake suitable for?
It is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion that calls for an impressive dessert.
Is the cocoa powder added directly to the flour?
The instructions specify using sifted flour and sifted cocoa powder as part of the ingredient list.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake has a moist, tender crumb that makes it a timeless classic.
How many egg whites are used?
The recipe calls for 3 egg whites.
What are the primary flavors of the cake?
The cake features rich chocolate flavors complemented by a hint of vanilla.
Is the sugar added all at once?
No, the sugar is divided; 1 cup is creamed with shortening and 3/4 cup is used for the meringue.
Does the recipe use baking powder or baking soda?
This recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda dissolved in water.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in this Red Velvet Cake recipe.