Flame Cake
A vibrant and moist chocolate cake with striking red color, perfect for celebrations and special occasions, offering rich cocoa flavor combined with tangy buttermilk.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together cocoa with red food color.
- Add baking soda and vinegar to the mixture and set aside.
- Cream together Crisco and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Alternate adding sifted flour and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine the cocoa and food color mixture into the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce to the batter. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be used instead. Ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature for better mixing. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can reduce it by 1/4 cup without sacrificing too much sweetness. This cake also pairs beautifully with Chunky Apple Pecan Cake(Great Christmas Cake) for a dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a cream cheese or buttercream frosting. For a fun twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing it with a fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness, making it a great option for gatherings. Explore more American recipes for varied dessert options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Flame Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flame Cake contains roughly 502 calories, with 13g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1527mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a buttermilk substitute that works well in the recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Flame Cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture, or add it separately according to the package instructions.
What type of frosting goes well with Flame Cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a popular choice for Flame Cake, as its tanginess complements the sweetness of the cake. You can also use a simple vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache for a richer taste. Experiment with different frostings to find your favorite pairing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).