Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake 1920s Recipe

Nutriscore Rating: 33/100

Step back in time with the Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake, a decadent dessert that originated in the 1920s and remains a show-stopping classic. This vintage recipe captures the luxurious charm of its namesake hotel with its moist layers of subtly chocolate-infused red cake, enhanced by the tangy richness of buttermilk and a touch of vinegar for a perfectly tender crumb. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this iconic cake delivers a nostalgia-filled balance of sweetness and tang in every bite. Perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat, this retro-inspired red velvet masterpiece is a timeless addition to your baking repertoire. Make it today and savor a slice of culinary history!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Servings: 12 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

15 items

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 cups Butter, softened
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Red food coloring
• 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoons White vinegar
• 1 teaspoons Baking soda
• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 0.5 cups Butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups Powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract (for frosting)

📝 Instructions

14 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

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

3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

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

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

6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

7. In a small cup, mix the white vinegar and baking soda, allowing it to fizz. Quickly fold this mixture into the batter.

8. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.

10. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

13. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

14. Slice and serve this timeless Waldorf Astoria Red Velvet Cake, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (164.0g)

Calories		597
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		24.1 g	31%
	Saturated Fat	14.4 g	72%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		97 mg	32%
Sodium		403 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate		88.7 g	32%
	Dietary Fiber	1.0 g	4%
	Total Sugars	68.6 g
Protein		6.1 g	12%
Vitamin D		0.7 mcg	4%
Calcium		51 mg	4%
Iron		1.1 mg	6%
Potassium		97 mg	2%

*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: 2608 cal (36.4%%)

Protein: 290 cal (4.1%%)

Carbs: 4262 cal (59.5%%)