Waldorf Astoria Red Cake
A vibrant red velvet cake with rich cocoa flavor and smooth frosting, perfect for special occasions and celebrations, appealing to those who love bold, colorful desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together salt and cake flour.
- Make a paste of red food coloring and cocoa.
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add buttermilk and the sifted flour mixture gradually, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine vinegar and baking soda; it will foam. Add this mixture to the cake batter and blend thoroughly.
- Divide the batter evenly into three greased 8-inch pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely before frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant color, ensure you use high-quality red food coloring; gel versions tend to yield better results than liquid. If you want a slightly healthier twist, substitute half of the shortening with applesauce. Make sure to cream the shortening and sugar until very light to achieve a fluffy texture. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
Serving Suggestions
This stunning red cake can be served plain or with a rich cream cheese frosting for a classic touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or Corn And Celery Soup as a refreshing starter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain moist. Frosting can be added before serving for freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waldorf Astoria Red Cake contains roughly 565 calories, with 10g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% 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
How can I make the cake less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the cake, you can cut back on the sugar by about 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Alternatively, using a tangy frosting like cream cheese or a light whipped topping can balance the sweetness of the cake while adding flavor.
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).