Monday, June 27, 2011

Aunt Helen's Red Velvet Cake

This is a recipe for Red Velvet Cake that has been passed down in my family for generations.  I love to bake and I made this for my boss' birthday, so I thought I would share!  I made 25% more than the recipe calls for because I wanted to do the heart cakes for me & my husband.  The recipe I will share is good for one 3-layer cake.
*WARNING: I am a VERY messy baker!*
Let's start with what you need:

For the cake: 1/2 cup shortening
                     1 1/2 cup sugar
                     2 oz. red cake coloring (4 tablespoons)
                     2 eggs
                     1 tsp. baking soda
                     1 tbsp. cocoa powder
                     1 tsp. salt
                     1 cup buttermilk
                     2 1/4 cup cake flour (yes, this does make a difference...it is MUCH finer)
                     1 tsp. vanilla
                     1 tbsp. vinegar

STEP 1: Cream sugar, shortening and eggs
STEP 2: Make a paste out of food coloring & cocoa.  *Note:  Trying to make a paste out of these is like trying to make two of the same magnets stick together.  They just don't like each other...so do the best you can! 

STEP 3: Add to mixture, along with salt, flour, buttermilk and vanilla. 
STEP 4:  If you don't have a heavy-duty mixed, beat by hand.  If you do, whisk away!
STEP 5: Add vinegar and baking soda, mix by hand.  *NOTE:  This is my FAVORITE part!*


STEP 6: Grease & Flour cake pans. *Really you can do this at any time*
STEP 7: Put in 350* oven for 30-35 minutes
When finished baking, take out and let cool in pans for about 5 minutes.  Flip onto a cooling rack on really any flat surface until completely cooled.
While the cakes are baking, you can start on the frosting.  You will need:
2 8oz. packages on cream cheese (room temperature)
4 tbsp. butter (room temperature)
1 cup whipping cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4-5 cups powered sugar

STEP 1:  Add all ingredients to your mixture except powered sugar.  Blend together.  *Please start on a slow speed or you will make a mess like I did!

 STEP 2: Slowly add powered sugar until it is just right, sweetness-wise, for you!
Note:  Yours will not make this much, I did extra because A: My boss said that he loves icing, and B: I was doing the extra cakes for my husband & me.

Finally, ice your cakes
And the final products:

I promise I won't fault you for drooling!

This recipe linked to: Tasty Tuesday! - Tasty Tuesdays - Made From Scratch Tuesday - Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Totally Tasty Tuesday - Delectable Tuesday - These Chicks Cooked - Full Plate Thursday - Sweet Treats Thursday - It's A Keeper Thursday - Share a Spoon Thursday  The Ultimate Recipe Swap - Sweet Tooth Friday - Fat Camp Friday - Fun With Food Friday - I'm Lovin It


                       

8 comments:

  1. I love red velvet cake! The little heart shaped ones are so cute.

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  2. oh my red velvet cake one of my brothers favorites I love seeing old family recipes thanks for sharing

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  3. I've never made red velvet cake but yours looks yummy. 5I wanted to invite you to come over and share your recipe at These Chicks Cooked Recipe Spotlight today. Have a great day :)
    Katie

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  4. I love the hearts that you made! What a sweet idea with red velvet!!

    Thanks for Sharing with us!! I always welcome suggestions for themes. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you'd like to see!

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  5. My favorite cake! My birthday is soon-I'll probably be making it then.

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  6. Hi Katie,
    Your Red Velvet Cake looks delicious! We would really enjoy this cake. Thank you for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and come back soon. I am your newest follower. Have a great week end!
    Miz Helen

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  7. Hi! This looks so good! I am a new follower!I would love it if you stopped by blog, take a look around and if you like what you see, follow me back! Thanks!
    Have a great holiday!
    Kirsten

    www.mushkiloves.blogspot.com

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  8. Oh my goodness. It's one in the morning, and I should be going to bed, but instead I'm looking at your delicious food and my stomach is grumbling - because, well, there's NOTHING better than cake - it's totally one of my favorite, favorite foods! I (surprisingly!) have all the ingredients for this, and will totally be making it in the morning!

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