How to Make Red Velvet Cake

This oft-requested cake supposedly originated at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan at the turn of the last century. Similar to a devil's food cake, it's sinfully delicious. Makes one layer cake.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 c. shortening
• 2 1/2 c. sugar, divided
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp. cocoa
• 2 oz. red food coloring
• 2 tsp. vanilla, divided
• 2 1/4 c. cake flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 c. buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 5 1/2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. milk
• 1 c. butter
• Groceries
• Cake Pans
• Electric Mixers (with Bowl)
• Mixing Bowls
• Saucepans
• Wire Whisks
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Cream shortening and 1 1/2 c. of the sugar with an electric mixer.

3. Add eggs, cocoa, food coloring and 1 tsp. vanilla. Mix well.

4. Stir in flour and salt, alternating with buttermilk.

5. Mix soda and vinegar and stir quickly into mixture as it foams.

6. Pour batter into two 8-inch layer cake pans or into one 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan.

7. Bake in the middle of the oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.

8. For frosting, whisk together 5 1/2 tbsp. flour and milk in a saucepan. Cook until thickened and set aside to cool.

9. Add butter, remaining 1 c. sugar and remaining 1 tsp. vanilla to milk and flour mixture. Beat well.

10. Frost cooled cake with frosting.