Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup crystal sugar
Special Equipment Needed:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another mixing bowl, beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar with an electric mixer until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
6. Sprinkle the crystal sugar evenly over the top of the batter in each cake pan.
7. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, frost the cake with your favorite frosting and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 424
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 41mg
Sodium: 422mg
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 40g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Crystal sugar can be substituted with regular granulated sugar.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
- Use a cream cheese frosting instead of a traditional buttercream frosting.
- Add a layer of fresh berries between the cake layers for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to properly measure the flour to avoid a dry cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers before frosting.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or edible flowers for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Edible flowers
- Powdered sugar
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is dry, it may have been overbaked or too much flour was added.
- If the cake is too dense, it may have been overmixed or too much baking powder or soda was added.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to properly store the cake to avoid spoilage.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before preparing the cake.
Food History:
Red velvet cake originated in the southern United States in the early 1900s. The cake's distinctive red color comes from the reaction between the cocoa powder and the acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk and vinegar.
Flavor Profiles:
The cake has a slightly tangy and sweet flavor with a hint of cocoa.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat for special occasions.
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Creamy, Velvety, Chocolatey