Red velvet cake is a beloved dessert that boasts a vibrant red color and velvety texture, traditionally complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting. In this version, we pair the iconic cake with whipped cream, creating a lighter, airier alternative to the classic frosting. Whipped cream not only enhances the cake’s delicate texture but also brings a refreshing, creamy component to balance its mild cocoa flavor. This article provides a comprehensive guide to making red velvet cake with whipped cream, covering its uniqueness, essential ingredients, preparation methods, suitable occasions, tips for success, decoration ideas, storage methods, and nutritional information.
Uniqueness of Red Velvet Cake with Whipped Cream
The uniqueness of this version of red velvet cake lies in its lighter, less rich frosting. While traditional red velvet is often paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, using whipped cream instead transforms the cake into a softer, more subtle dessert. The whipped cream offers a gentle sweetness that complements the mild cocoa and buttermilk flavors of the cake, without overpowering it.
Whipped cream also allows for more versatility in terms of flavor. You can easily add subtle flavorings to the cream, such as vanilla, almond, or citrus zest, to add dimension. Its lightness makes this cake a fantastic choice for summer events or those seeking a less dense dessert.
Preparation Methods
Making red velvet cake with whipped cream frosting requires careful attention to both the cake and the delicate whipped cream frosting. Below is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect result.
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat and prepare pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add food coloring and vanilla:
- Mix the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and oil. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whipped Cream Frosting Preparation:
- Chill your tools:
- For best results, chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 15 minutes before starting. This ensures the cream whips up faster and holds its shape better.
- Whip the cream:
- In the chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then increase the speed to high and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.
- Stabilize the cream (optional):
- If desired, add a cream stabilizer during whipping to help the whipped cream hold its shape for longer, especially in warmer weather or for longer storage times.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level the cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, use a serrated knife to level the tops, ensuring flat layers for stacking.
- Apply whipped cream:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream. Smooth with a spatula for a clean, elegant look.
Suitable Occasions for Serving
Red velvet cake with whipped cream is a versatile dessert suitable for a wide range of occasions. Its light and airy texture make it an excellent choice for:
- Summer celebrations: The whipped cream frosting is light and refreshing, perfect for warm-weather events like picnics, barbecues, or garden parties.
- Birthdays: With its striking red color and fluffy frosting, this cake makes a festive and elegant birthday cake.
- Anniversaries and weddings: Red velvet cake’s luxurious appearance and delicate flavor make it an ideal centerpiece for special occasions.
- Afternoon tea or brunches: This cake pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, offering a light and delightful end to a meal.
Tips for Success
Here are some essential tips to ensure your red velvet cake with whipped cream turns out perfectly:
- Use chilled cream: Make sure your cream is well-chilled before whipping to ensure the best texture and volume.
- Do not overwhip: Overwhipping cream can result in a grainy texture or, worse, butter. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
- Use a stabilizer: If serving the cake in warm weather or if it will sit out for an extended time, add a cream stabilizer to help the whipped cream hold up.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Precision is crucial, especially with dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder.
- Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the lightest texture.
Decoration Ideas
The simplicity of whipped cream allows for endless decoration possibilities, depending on the occasion:
- Fresh berries: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Edible flowers: For a sophisticated touch, garnish with edible flowers like roses, violets, or pansies.
- Red velvet crumbs: Save some cake trimmings when leveling the layers and crumble them on top of the cake for a classic red velvet look.
- Chocolate shavings: Add elegance by grating dark chocolate over the whipped cream frosting.
- Whipped cream piping: If you want a more polished look, pipe decorative whipped cream patterns around the edges of the cake using a pastry bag and star tip.
Storage Methods
Because whipped cream frosting is delicate, proper storage is crucial to maintain its texture and freshness.
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. The whipped cream frosting can hold up for 2-3 days when stored properly. Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
- Freezing the cake layers: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them (without frosting) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the layers in the fridge before assembling and frosting.
- Room temperature: The whipped cream frosting is delicate and should not be left out at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours, especially in warm environments.
Essential Ingredients
To create a perfect red velvet cake with whipped cream, precise measurements are crucial. The following list of ingredients is for a two-layer 9-inch cake, yielding about 12 servings.
Cake Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (320g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¾ cups (350g)
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened): 1 tablespoon
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml)
- Vegetable oil: ¾ cup (180ml)
- Large eggs: 2 (room temperature)
- Red food coloring (gel-based): 2 tablespoons (adjust to preference)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- White vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup (115g)
Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients:
- Heavy cream (chilled): 2 cups (480ml)
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Cream stabilizer (optional): 1 teaspoon (to help the whipped cream hold its shape)
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per slice (1/12 of the cake):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 14 Servings
Calories : 380 Kcal
Author : Chef Amelia
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