Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake

Dive into decadence with the Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake, a true classic that's as visually stunning as it is indulgent. This iconic dessert, famously originating from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, boasts a velvety texture and rich cocoa undertones, all accentuated by the vibrant ruby hue from buttermilk and red food coloring. With layers of moist cake and a luxuriously creamy cream cheese frosting, each bite is a perfect balance of tangy sweetness. Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, along with a touch of vinegar for ultimate fluffiness, this red velvet cake is ideal for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy-to-follow steps ensure this timeless recipe comes together beautifully, delivering 12 servings of pure elegance in under an hour.

Nutriscore Rating: 35/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.

Step 6

Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

Step 7

In a separate small cup or bowl, mix together the white vinegar and baking soda. It will fizz; immediately fold it into the cake batter.

Step 8

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 12

Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 13

Mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is creamy and smooth.

Step 14

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.

Step 15

Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing as desired.

Step 16

Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Slice and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1948.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7040.8

Total Fat 293.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 178.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 1166.6mg	0%
Sodium 2431.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1062.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.0g	0%
Total Sugars 820.5g
Protein 70.1g	0%

Vitamin D 267.2IU	0%
Calcium 672.5mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 1249.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.8%

Protein: 3.9%

Carbs: 59.3%