Waldorf Astoria Cake(Red Cake)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A vibrant red velvet cake with rich cocoa flavor, moist crumb, and smooth frosting, perfect for celebrations and those who love bold, festive desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp cocoa
  • 2 oz red food coloring
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Stir in red food coloring and vanilla extract; beat well.
  4. Mix in buttermilk and continue beating until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda.
  6. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, beating well after each addition.
  7. Combine vinegar and baking soda to create a fizzing reaction.
  8. Fold the soda and vinegar mixture into the batter gently.
  9. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra moist cake, ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Using a stand mixer can make the creaming process easier, yielding a lighter cake. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon treat. For a more festive presentation, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Waldorf Astoria Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Waldorf Astoria Cake(Red Cake) contains roughly 419 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1016mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

419 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.7g 19% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 77.2g 28% DV
Fiber 7.1g 25% DV
Sugar 13g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1016.3mg 44% DV
Potassium 545.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 23.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 67.1mg 5% DV
Iron 5.2mg 29% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 another type of food coloring instead of red?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use gel or liquid food coloring in different shades to create a unique cake. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the concentration of the coloring you choose, as some are more potent than others.

What can I do if I don't have shortening?

You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want a lighter option, use vegetable oil, but this may slightly change the texture of the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure.

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).

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