Red Wonder Cake
A vibrant red cake with rich cocoa flavor, moist crumb, and smooth icing, perfect for celebrations or special occasions, appealing to chocolate and red velvet lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour or line two 8-inch cake pans with wax paper.
- Make a paste of red cake coloring and cocoa.
- Cream the Crisco and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla and the red paste, mixing well.
- Sift together the flour and salt.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Dissolve baking soda in vinegar and fold into the batter immediately.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely before spreading icing on top.
- Can also be made into cupcakes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense red color, consider using gel food coloring instead of liquid. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder. Be sure to cool the cakes completely before icing to prevent melting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Red Wonder Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with "Purple Cow" Shakes for a nostalgic treat. For a festive presentation, garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream. This cake is also perfect for birthdays or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Red Wonder Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you’ve iced the cake, consider heating it slightly longer to soften the frosting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Wonder Cake contains roughly 296 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% 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 a different type of oil instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute Crisco with vegetable oil or melted butter. However, using butter may alter the texture slightly, making it richer. If using oil, the cake will still have a nice moisture level similar to what Crisco provides.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or too much leavening agent. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, and try using a toothpick to check for doneness earlier. Additionally, be mindful of the baking soda and vinegar reaction, as adding too much can lead to excessive rise and collapse.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Red Wonder Cake, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, as some baking powders can contain gluten. The texture might differ slightly, but it should still yield a delicious cake.
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).