Waldorf Astoria Cake(Like A Red Devil'S Food Cake)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A vibrant red devil's food cake with rich cocoa flavor, moist texture, and striking color, perfect for celebrations and those who love bold, indulgent desserts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 ounces red food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups sifted flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and red food coloring; mix well.
  3. Sift dry ingredients (cocoa, salt, flour) three times; add alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture.
  4. In a small bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda; fold into the batter gently.
  5. Divide batter into prepared pans and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow cakes to cool before frosting and assembling.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider using unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy cake. For an extra touch, frost with cream cheese icing for a delicious contrast to the cake's sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful dessert after dinner. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Famous Lemon Pecan Pie for a stunning dessert platter. For a more festive touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or fresh berries on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Waldorf Astoria Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through, taking care not to dry it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Waldorf Astoria Cake(Like A Red Devil'S Food Cake) contains roughly 127 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

127 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 25.2g 9% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 597.6mg 26% DV
Potassium 113.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 7.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 31mg 2% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 food coloring or omit it entirely?

Yes, you can use natural food coloring alternatives or even leave it out if you prefer a more traditional chocolate cake. The cake will still be delicious but will lack the signature red hue.

What can I use if I don't have Crisco?

If you don’t have Crisco, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, while oil may make the cake slightly denser.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake. Start checking around the 25-minute mark.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →