Homemade Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is one of a kind and is characterized by its red colored cake base topped with white creamy icing. The exact origin of this cake is yet unknown, but it is said that this cake belongs to the South. Moreover, there are various stories that narrate the origin of this yummy cake. Sometimes, this cake is also referred as "Devil's Food Cake", due to its tempting red and white color. Previously boiled beets were used to attain the red color of the cake. Even now, some red velvet recipes use grated beet to sustain the moisture of the cake. Buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, etc. are some of the main ingredients of red velvet cake. Besides its tempting red-white look, this cake has a great mixed flavor of chocolate and vanilla. Red velvet cake is a popular dessert for family functions and here is an easy recipe for you.

How to Make Red Velvet Cake at Home

Ingredients for Base

• Vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons
• Buttermilk - 1 cup
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Red food coloring - 2 ounces
• White sugar - 1½ cups
• Eggs - 2
• All-purpose flour (sifted) - 2½ cups
• White vinegar - 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda - 1½ teaspoons
• Shortening - ½ cup
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons

Ingredients for Icing

• Milk - 1 cup
• All-purpose flour (sifted) - 5 tablespoons
• White sugar - 1 cup
• Butter - 1 cup
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon

Directions

To prepare this homemade red velvet cake, first grease two 9 inches round pans with butter or cooking spray. Then preheat the oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder and red food coloring and keep the bowl aside. In another bowl add buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and salt. Take another large bowl and combine shortening, one and half cups white sugar and stir the mixture to attain fluffy texture. Then beat the eggs into the shortening, one at a time. Later, add the cocoa mixture to it. Combine buttermilk mixture and also gently add two and half cups of all-purpose flour to it. Mix the ingredients to incorporate properly. Combine vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl and then pour the mixture into the cake batter. Pour the batter into the greased pans and bake them in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let the cake base cool completely. Refrigerate the base until the icing is prepared. To prepare the icing, add milk and 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over low heat and cook the mixture by stirring constantly. Stir until the mixture attains thick texture. Then, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool completely. Add one cup sugar, remaining vanilla extract and butter in a small bowl. Beat this mixture to make it light and fluffy. Pour the cooled milk mixture into the bowl and beat the mixture to attain the consistency required for icing. Apply the icing to the cooled red velvet base and your sumptuous red velvet cake is ready!

This was a simple and easy recipe for homemade velvet cake. So, what are you waiting for? Now, when you know how to make red velvet cake at home, rush to your kitchen and bake a yummy mouth-watering cake for your friends and family. Happy Cooking!