Prepare to unlock the secret behind the most decadent and luxurious dessert that once graced the tables of New York's most prestigious hotel! This Red Velvet Cake Waldorf Astoria isn't just a cake - it's a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a world of rich, velvety elegance. With its stunning crimson color, impossibly moist crumb, and dreamy cream cheese frosting, this recipe is about to become the crown jewel of your baking repertoire. Get ready to impress your guests and create a dessert that's as legendary as the hotel that inspired it!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Cream cheese frosting for layering
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar. This will help to aerate the dry ingredients and ensure a uniform texture in the cake.
- In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended and smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out as desired.
- For an elegant finish, you may choose to decorate the top of the cake with additional frosting swirls, chocolate shavings, or red velvet cake crumbs. Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes before slicing to serve.
- Slice the cake into 12 equal servings and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cake Waldorf Astoria!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter possible.
- Food Coloring Tip: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without changing the cake's consistency.
- Buttermilk Hack: If you don't have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mixing Magic: Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Frosting Technique: For a professional look, do a thin crumb coat first, then chill before applying the final layer of frosting.
- Storage Secret: This cake tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
