Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake Recipe – A Delicious Classic!
When I think of luxury desserts, the Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake immediately comes to mind. I absolutely adore how moist, rich, and perfectly balanced it is. The combination of the light cocoa flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting is simply unbeatable. This is my go-to red velvet cake when I want something special and timeless. This classic recipe is so easy to make at home, and the end result is just like the one you’d enjoy at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria.
In my experience, this recipe has never failed to impress guests. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and a touch of tang from the frosting. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this cake is a winner.
What Makes Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake Recipe the Best?
This Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake recipe is the perfect combination of classic flavors and textures. The cake is moist, fluffy, and vibrant, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, smooth finish. The combination of red food coloring, buttermilk, and a touch of cocoa makes it rich in flavor without being overpowering. It’s the perfect cake to celebrate any occasion.
- Moist texture – The buttermilk and oil keep the cake incredibly moist.
- Classic flavor – A perfect balance of cocoa and vanilla with a hint of tang from the cream cheese frosting.
- Easy to make – Even beginners can follow this recipe and achieve fantastic results.
Ingredients Needed for Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake Recipe
To make this amazing cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry; they’re simple and easy to find at most grocery stores.
- For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- For the frosting:
- 16 oz (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
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How to Make Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Making the Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake at home is surprisingly simple. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your cake pans. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the cake batter: Sift together the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Combine: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting:
- Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is thick and creamy. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt for flavor.
Assemble the cake:
- Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Frost with a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with additional frosting or cake crumbs, if desired.
Success Tip for Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake Recipe
For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. Room-temperature eggs and butter make the batter mix more smoothly, and the cake will have a lighter texture. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the wet ingredients. Mixing until just combined will prevent the cake from becoming dense.
Things to Avoid When Making Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Stir just enough to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Not cooling the cake layers properly: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting. Warm cake can melt the frosting and cause it to slide off.
- Using the wrong food coloring: For the brightest red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Why You’ll Love This Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake Recipe
This Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and everything in between. The combination of the rich, moist cake and tangy cream cheese frosting is something everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners to make, so don’t be afraid to try it out
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Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake
The Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake is a luxurious dessert that stands out at any gathering. Its deep, rich red color and smooth cream cheese frosting make it the perfect treat for special occasions. This recipe is inspired by the famous hotel’s cake, known for its moist texture and rich flavor. The cake is made with a blend of buttermilk, cocoa powder, and a dash of vinegar, all combined to give it a deliciously light and tangy flavor. The cream cheese frosting complements the cake with a slight sweetness and tang that balances the richness of the red velvet. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, holiday dinner, or a casual gathering, this recipe will impress everyone. It’s the ideal cake for those who want a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and ½ cups of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using) to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate with extra crumbs from the cake or red velvet crumbs for a finishing touch.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
This cake is best made in advance to let the flavors meld together. Chill the cake for a couple of hours or even overnight for the best texture. The cream cheese frosting is smooth and creamy, but you can adjust the consistency with a little more heavy cream if you want a softer frosting. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk, then letting it sit for 5 minutes. Red food coloring is optional if you prefer a lighter cake, but the deep red color is part of the charm!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
12Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 35gNet Carbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 3g
Note while creating nutrition details Table: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.