The red colour of the cake is achieved through the use of red food colouring. Originally, the colour was derived from a chemical reaction between natural cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar. However, modern red velvet cake recipes often rely on red food colouring for the vibrant colour.

Cream cheese frosting is the traditional choice for red velvet cake. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the cake and adds a creamy, rich element to the dessert. The frosting is usually spread between the cake layers and generously applied on the top and sides of the cake. It is often paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Here’s a classic recipe for Red Velvet Cake:

Ingredients for the cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Ingredients for the cream cheese frosting:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Stir to mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Smooth the frosting with a spatula.
11. Optional: Decorate the cake with red velvet cake crumbs, grated chocolate, or additional frosting as desired.
12. Slice and serve the delicious homemade Red Velvet Cake.

Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cake with its signature moist and velvety texture, complemented by the tangy cream cheese frosting!

The post Red Velvet Cake Recipe appeared first on Recipe Ideas 101.

Ingredients for the shortcakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the strawberry filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix the milk and vanilla extract together. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be just combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Pat the dough into a rectangle or circle about 1/2-inch thick.
6. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out individual shortcakes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gather any remaining dough scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
7. Bake the shortcakes in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
8. While the shortcakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the strawberries release some of their juices. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. To assemble, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the strawberry filling onto the bottom half of the shortcake. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the other half of the shortcake on top. Repeat with the remaining shortcakes.
10. Serve the strawberry shortcakes immediately, garnished with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries, if desired.

Enjoy the delicious homemade strawberry shortcakes!

The post Strawberry Shortcake Recipe appeared first on Recipe Ideas 101.