What is Red Velvet Cake

What is Red Velvet Cake?

Red velvet cake is a delightful dessert known for its vibrant red color, subtle cocoa flavor, and velvety texture. But what makes it red, and how did this dessert become an icon in the world of baking? Let's delve into the details.

From Starbucks cakes to Oreos, Red Velvet seems to be everywhere. About two and a half years ago, we noticed a dramatic increase in the number of customers inquiring about extending the red velvet concept into new areas. Cupcakes were a more obvious extension for red velvet but cookies and coffee beverages demonstrate the breadth of appeal for the idea. Red, after all, is a color that commands attention. Emerging on the scene more recently are macaroon inspired packaged food products, and a lot of these have gravitated towards red shades initially.

Natural Color Options

Some might recall that anthocyanins were the ‘original’ source of color in red velvet. Unfortunately they are not a very good solution today. At neutral pH, anthocyanins are more purple than red. Alas, it is likely the original recipes probably were not really all that red. Today, consumers expect more.

Beet powder manufacturer is another option, but not without its own set of challenges. Beet is a pretty good shade of red at a pH level between 5-7, and this is typical for baked goods. However, because of the Maillard reaction, beet has a tendency to brown.

One great option is to use a stabilized form of beet such as YANGGEBIOTECH high stability vegetable juice. This color will hold up well to a heat step in the process and it produces a nice shade.

Some watch-outs 

Beet can sometimes have a bluer tinge than is desired for red velvet baked goods. In that instance, it is fairly straightforward to add a yellow component like turmeric or beta carotene to adjust the shade as needed.

As mentioned earlier, the usage rate in a red velvet application is typically quite high. This is exacerbated when we use natural colors. Because of this, we need to make sure that there are no flavor off-notes in the formulation due to the high use rate.

Additionally, cookie wafers can sometimes become denser with the addition of high levels of beet for color. This is only a challenge when usage rates are much higher than normal.

What Flavor is Red Velvet Cake?

Red velvet cake tastes like very mild cocoa with a slightly tart edge. The cream cheese frosting is the most forward flavor.

How Make to Red Velvet Cake?

Red Velvet Cake is a classic dessert that combines unique ingredients to create its distinct flavor, color, and texture. Let's explore the key ingredients used in making a Red Velvet Cake:

1. All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base ingredient for the cake. It provides structure and texture to the cake.

2. Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake. It's often creamed with sugar to create a light and fluffy texture.

3. Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cake and plays a role in its texture. It's typically mixed with butter to create a creamy, airy consistency.

4. Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, adding moisture and structure to the cake. They also contribute to the cake's tenderness.

5. Cocoa Powder: Red Velvet Cake contains a small amount of cocoa powder, which gives it a mild chocolate flavor without being overly chocolatey.

6. Red Food Coloring: This is the ingredient responsible for the cake's iconic red color. Red food coloring is added to the batter to achieve the vibrant hue. Beets were originally used for the red color in the early versions of this cake.

7. Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a tender crumb in the cake. It also interacts with the baking soda to leaven the cake.

8. Vinegar: A small amount of vinegar, typically white or apple cider vinegar, reacts with the baking soda to enhance the cake's rise and texture.

9. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is used to enhance the cake's overall flavor, adding a subtle and aromatic sweetness.

10. Baking Soda: Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps the cake rise. It reacts with the acid (buttermilk and vinegar) to create a light and airy texture.

11. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the cake, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the cocoa and vanilla flavors.

12. Cream Cheese Frosting: Red Velvet Cake is traditionally frosted with a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet cream cheese frosting. This frosting complements the cake's subtle sweetness and adds a rich, velvety texture.

While these are the basic ingredients for a classic Red Velvet Cake, variations may include additional ingredients such as sour cream or yogurt to enhance moisture, or even different flavorings like almond extract for a unique twist. The combination of these ingredients results in the distinctive taste and appearance that Red Velvet Cake is known for.

REFERENCES:

https://preppykitchen.com/best-red-velvet-cake/

https://www.bhg.com/what-is-red-velvet-cake-7724641

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-red-velvet-cake/

https://www.delish.com/cooking/a38320158/what-is-red-velvet-cake/

https://www.quora.com/What-gives-red-velvet-cake-its-distinctive-flavor

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/red-velvet-layer-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-red-velvet-cake