Red "Waldorf Astoria" Cake
Vibrant red cake with rich cocoa flavor, perfect for festive occasions and those who enjoy bold, colorful desserts with a moist texture and smooth frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans; set aside.
- With a mixer, cream Crisco and sugar; add eggs.
- Make a paste of food coloring and cocoa; add to the sugar mixture.
- Sift together cake flour and salt.
- Add alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture.
- Add vanilla.
- Remove from mixer; sprinkle baking soda and vinegar over the top of batter.
- Fold very gently into the batter until completely mixed.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- When cooled, frost with White Fluffy Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Using a stand mixer can help achieve the perfect creaminess while mixing. If you want a twist, consider adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the Red 'Waldorf Astoria' Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Golden Mashed Potatoes for a delightful meal. For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers to enhance its visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes for a fresh taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red "Waldorf Astoria" Cake contains roughly 199 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 734mg per serving (32% 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 different types of food coloring?
Yes, while red food coloring gives the cake its signature hue, you can experiment with other colors to suit your occasion. Just ensure you're using gel or liquid food coloring that is appropriate for baking, as it will provide the desired vibrancy without altering the cake's texture too much.
What can I use instead of Crisco?
If you prefer not to use Crisco, you can substitute it with an equal amount of softened unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. However, this may slightly affect the cake's texture, making it a bit richer and denser.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.
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).