Red Cake Waldorf Astoria
A vibrant red velvet cake with rich cocoa flavor, perfect for special occasions and those who love bold, colorful desserts with a moist, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Make a paste of red food coloring and cocoa, then add to the creamed mixture.
- Alternate adding buttermilk with sifted flour and salt, beginning and ending with flour.
- Add vanilla extract to the batter.
- Mix baking soda and vinegar together, then quickly add to the batter, blending only until combined.
- Pour the batter into two greased and floured 8 or 9-inch pans.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on a rack.
- Split each layer in two to create four layers.
Tips & Substitutions
For richer flavor, consider using unsweetened cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute with a mix of milk and vinegar (1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar). Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. To achieve a more vibrant red color, you may adjust the amount of red food coloring to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Red Cake Waldorf Astoria with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. This cake can be enjoyed as a stand-alone treat or alongside a cup of coffee. For a delightful variation, consider serving it with a slice of White Sour Cream Coconut Cake for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to refrigerate, wrap the layers in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. This cake also freezes well if wrapped properly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Cake Waldorf Astoria contains roughly 279 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. This will impart a richer flavor to the cake, though the texture may be slightly different. Alternatively, for a lighter option, use a blend of equal parts butter and vegetable oil.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cake?
To reduce sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also balance the flavor by adding a pinch of espresso powder into the cocoa paste, which enhances the chocolate taste without increasing sweetness.
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).