--- title: "Red Velvet Cake" date: 2026-06-10 published: 2023-07-18 author: "Dragos Nistor" featured_image: "https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Red-Velvet-Cake-Honey-and-Soy.jpg" categories: - name: "Recipes" url: "/recipes.md" --- # Red Velvet Cake HoneyBee & Co. · Recipe By [Dragos Nistor](https://honeybeeandco.uk/about/) · Updated June 2026 Recipe adapted from [Pinch My Salt](https://pinchmysalt.com/red-velvet-cake-recipe/) by [Honey and Soy](https://www.honeyandsoy.com/) ![Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Red-Velvet-Cake-Honey-and-Soy.jpg "1") Prep30 min Cook30 min Total1 hr Yield12 slices CuisineAmerican Indulging in a moist, velvety, and visually striking red velvet cake is an experience that has captivated dessert enthusiasts for decades. This iconic cake, known for its vibrant red colour and luxurious taste, holds a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. Join us on a journey through the origins, legends, and evolution of the beloved red velvet cake. ## Origins and Early Days The precise origins of the red velvet cake are shrouded in mystery, with several theories and legends surrounding its creation. One popular belief is that it originated in the United States during the Victorian era, where the rich cocoa powder and red hue symbolised luxury and indulgence. Early recipes for red velvet cake often called for natural ingredients such as buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa, which reacted with the acidic components to create a chemical reaction resulting in the signature reddish hue. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City claims to have been one of the first establishments to serve red velvet cake, elevating its popularity. ![Origins and Early Days](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-valeriya-kobzar-7438498-1-768x1024.jpg "2") ## Pop Culture and Iconic Moments Red velvet cake gained widespread recognition and popularity in the 1940s when the Adams Extract Company introduced a recipe for "Adams Original Red Velvet Cake" on its food colouring packaging. This clever marketing move, combined with its delectable taste and eye-catching colour, propelled the cake into the spotlight. In the decades that followed, red velvet cake became synonymous with celebrations, weddings, and holidays, gracing the tables of households across the United States. ![Pop Culture and Iconic Moments](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-lucas-andrade-9395560-1024x683.jpg "3") ## Evolution and Modern Interpretations As the years progressed, variations of the classic red velvet cake emerged, showcasing creative twists and adaptations including versions with raw honey. Cream cheese frosting, a beloved accompaniment, became the standard topping for the cake, providing a luscious balance to the slightly tangy and sweet flavours. The versatility and distinct flavour profile of red velvet cake ensured its enduring presence in the culinary landscape. ![Evolution and Modern Interpretations](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-geovane-souza-15071192-819x1024.jpg "4") The Recipe ## Red Velvet Cake Prep**30 min**Cook**30 min**Yield**12 slices**### Ingredients - 2 1/2 cups sifted plain flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder, unsweetened - 2 oz red food colouring - 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature - 1 1/2 cups sugar - 2 eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon white vinegar - 1 teaspoon baking soda ### Cream Cheese Frosting - 500g cream cheese (2 packages), softened - 115g unsalted butter, softened - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted - 1 tablespoon raw HoneyBee & Co. Acacia honey - Pinch of salt ### Method 1. Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan / Gas 4). Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or three 8-inch round cake pans. 2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl, set aside. In a small bowl, mix food colouring and cocoa powder to form a paste without lumps, set aside. 3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla and the red cocoa paste, scraping down the bowl with a spatula. Add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beat well, then beat in half of the buttermilk. Beat in another third of the flour mixture, then the second half of the buttermilk. End with the last third of the flour mixture, beat until well combined. 4. Have cake pans buttered, floured, and nearby. In a small bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda. Yes, it will fizz. Add it to the cake batter and stir well to combine. Working quickly, divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check early, the cake is made when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. 5. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. To remove the cakes from the pan, place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and invert, then gently lift the pan. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. ### Frosting 1. With an electric mixer, blend together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. 2. Turn the mixer to low speed and blend in powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and the tablespoon of raw Acacia honey. 3. Turn the mixer on high and beat until light and fluffy. 4. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. If cooled, the frosting will need to be brought to room temperature before use. ![Red Velvet Cake](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Honey-and-Soy-1.jpg "5") From The HoneyBee & Co. Kitchen Adding a tablespoon of raw Acacia honey to the cream cheese frosting adds a clean floral note that lifts the tang of the cream cheese without overpowering it. Acacia is the right choice here because it stays liquid and does not crystallise into the icing. Our Honey Range ## The right HoneyBee & Co. honey for your kitchen Six raw, single-origin honeys from our family hives in Transylvania and trusted British beekeepers in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Subscribe and save 20% on every delivery. [![HoneyBee & Co. Acacia Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/acacia-honey-600x749-1.avif "6")Light & Floral ### Acacia Light, runny, delicately floral. The default choice for sauces, dressings and delicate desserts.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/acacia-honey/) [![HoneyBee & Co. Heather Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/heather-honey-600x750-1.avif "7")Bold & Resinous ### Heather Yorkshire Moors heather. The bold note that cuts through cheese, glazes red meat, lifts gingerbread.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/heather-honey/) [![HoneyBee & Co. Wildflower Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wildflower-honey.avif "8")All-Rounder ### Wildflower British Midlands polyfloral. The everyday all-rounder. Works on a board, on porridge, in baking.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wildflower-honey/) [![HoneyBee & Co. Soft Set Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/soft-set-honey-600x751-1.avif "9")Spreadable ### Soft Set Creamy, spreadable, holds its shape. The breakfast favourite for toast, crumpets, and scones.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/soft-set-honey/) Tips ## Things *worth knowing* ### Be careful with food colouring Wear an apron. Red food colouring stains everything. As you mix the batter, use a spatula to scrape down the bowl frequently throughout the entire process. ### Buttermilk substitute If you do not have buttermilk to hand, mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes before using. ### Frosting consistency If you prefer a sweeter and stiffer frosting, more powdered sugar can be added (up to four cups). The more sugar you add, the less you will taste the tangy cream cheese, so start cautiously and adjust to taste. Common Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes a red velvet cake red? Traditionally, the chemical reaction between cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar produced a reddish hue in older cocoa varieties. Modern Dutch-process cocoa does not react the same way, so most red velvet recipes today rely on red food colouring to achieve the signature colour. Beetroot powder is a natural alternative. ### Can I use raw honey instead of sugar in red velvet cake? In the cake batter itself, replacing all the sugar with honey is difficult because honey is liquid and changes the texture. You can replace up to a third of the sugar with raw honey if you also reduce the buttermilk slightly. In the cream cheese frosting, however, a tablespoon of raw Acacia honey works beautifully and lifts the flavour without changing the texture. ### Why is red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting? Cream cheese frosting became the standard pairing in the late 20th century because the slight tang of the cheese balances the sweetness of the cake and the subtle cocoa note. It is a more sophisticated pairing than buttercream, and the white surface highlights the deep red crumb when the cake is sliced. ### How long does red velvet cake keep? Frosted, refrigerated in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 4 days. Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving so the crumb softens. Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. ### Can I make red velvet cupcakes from this recipe? Yes. Divide the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with cases. Bake at 180C (160C fan / Gas 4) for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting. The recipe makes around 18 to 24 cupcakes depending on portion size. ![Dragos Nistor, founder of HoneyBee & Co.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dragos-Nistor-Founder-at-HoneyBee-Co.-.jpg "10")## About the editor **Dragos Nistor** is the founder of HoneyBee & Co., the sixth generation of his family to keep bees. The brand has been featured in Vogue across three consecutive editions in summer 2024 and supplies NHS staff rooms, Premier League clubs and a handful of London hotels he is not allowed to name. He writes about raw honey, beekeeping, and the recipes the family kitchen has developed over six generations. **Founder, HoneyBee & Co.** · [Read his story →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/about/) From The Kitchen Table ## Tried This Recipe? Tell us how it went. Your review helps other home cooks. Loading reviews Recent Reviews ## You might also like [Recipe · Dessert### Honey-Drizzled Apple Puffs Six rings of British apple wrapped in puff pastry, dusted with cinnamon sugar, finished with raw Acacia honey.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/honey-drizzled-apple-puffs/) [Recipe · Baking### Five Raw Honey Flapjacks One master method, five distinct flapjacks. Classic Acacia, orange and sunflower seed, fruit and nut, pear and cinnamon, dark chocolate.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/raw-honey-flapjacks-5-ultimate-delicious-recipes/) [Reference · Health### Honey vs Sugar: A Comprehensive Report The definitive comparison. Glycaemic index, antioxidants, processing, and what the science actually says.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/honey-vs-sugar/) HoneyBee & Co. · Recipe By [Dragos Nistor](https://honeybeeandco.uk/about/) · Updated May 2026 Recipe adapted from [Pinch My Salt](https://pinchmysalt.com/red-velvet-cake-recipe/) by [Honey and Soy](https://www.honeyandsoy.com/) ![Red Velvet Cake](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Red-Velvet-Cake-Honey-and-Soy.jpg "11") Prep30 min Cook30 min Total1 hr Yield12 slices CuisineAmerican Indulging in a moist, velvety, and visually striking red velvet cake is an experience that has captivated dessert enthusiasts for decades. This iconic cake, known for its vibrant red colour and luxurious taste, holds a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. Join us on a journey through the origins, legends, and evolution of the beloved red velvet cake. ## Origins and Early Days The precise origins of the red velvet cake are shrouded in mystery, with several theories and legends surrounding its creation. One popular belief is that it originated in the United States during the Victorian era, where the rich cocoa powder and red hue symbolised luxury and indulgence. Early recipes for red velvet cake often called for natural ingredients such as buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa, which reacted with the acidic components to create a chemical reaction resulting in the signature reddish hue. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City claims to have been one of the first establishments to serve red velvet cake, elevating its popularity. ![Origins and Early Days](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-valeriya-kobzar-7438498-1-768x1024.jpg "12") ## Pop Culture and Iconic Moments Red velvet cake gained widespread recognition and popularity in the 1940s when the Adams Extract Company introduced a recipe for "Adams Original Red Velvet Cake" on its food colouring packaging. This clever marketing move, combined with its delectable taste and eye-catching colour, propelled the cake into the spotlight. In the decades that followed, red velvet cake became synonymous with celebrations, weddings, and holidays, gracing the tables of households across the United States. Its appeal was further solidified when it made appearances in films and television shows, including the iconic Steel Magnolias and the renowned series Sex and the City. ![Pop Culture and Iconic Moments](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-lucas-andrade-9395560-1024x683.jpg "13") ## Evolution and Modern Interpretations As the years progressed, variations of the classic red velvet cake emerged, showcasing creative twists and adaptations including versions with raw honey. Cream cheese frosting, a beloved accompaniment, became the standard topping for the cake, providing a luscious balance to the slightly tangy and sweet flavours. Furthermore, bakers and home cooks began experimenting with different presentations, incorporating red velvet into cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream. The versatility and distinct flavour profile of red velvet cake ensured its enduring presence in the culinary landscape. ![Evolution and Modern Interpretations](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-geovane-souza-15071192-819x1024.jpg "14") The Recipe ## Red Velvet Cake Prep**30 min** Cook**30 min** Yield**12 slices**### Ingredients - 2 1/2 cups sifted plain flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder, unsweetened - 2 oz red food colouring - 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature - 1 1/2 cups sugar - 2 eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon white vinegar - 1 teaspoon baking soda ### Cream Cheese Frosting - 500g cream cheese (2 packages), softened - 115g unsalted butter, softened - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted - 1 tablespoon raw HoneyBee & Co. Acacia honey - Pinch of salt ### Method 1. Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan / Gas 4). Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or three 8-inch round cake pans. 2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl, set aside. In a small bowl, mix food colouring and cocoa powder to form a paste without lumps, set aside. 3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla and the red cocoa paste, scraping down the bowl with a spatula. Add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beat well, then beat in half of the buttermilk. Beat in another third of the flour mixture, then the second half of the buttermilk. End with the last third of the flour mixture, beat until well combined. 4. Have cake pans buttered, floured, and nearby. In a small bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda. Yes, it will fizz. Add it to the cake batter and stir well to combine. Working quickly, divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check early, the cake is made when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. 5. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. To remove the cakes from the pan, place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and invert, then gently lift the pan. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. ### Frosting 1. With an electric mixer, blend together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. 2. Turn the mixer to low speed and blend in powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and the tablespoon of raw Acacia honey. 3. Turn the mixer on high and beat until light and fluffy. 4. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. If cooled, the frosting will need to be brought to room temperature before use. ![Red Velvet Cake](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Honey-and-Soy-1.jpg "15") From The HoneyBee & Co. Kitchen Adding a tablespoon of raw Acacia honey to the cream cheese frosting adds a clean floral note that lifts the tang of the cream cheese without overpowering it. Acacia is the right choice here because it stays liquid and does not crystallise into the icing. Our Honey Range ## The right HoneyBee & Co. honey for your kitchen Six raw, single-origin honeys from our family hives in Transylvania and trusted British beekeepers in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Subscribe and save 20% on every delivery. [ ![HoneyBee & Co. Acacia honey jar](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/acacia-honey-600x749-1.avif "16")Light & Floral ### Acacia Light, runny, delicately floral. The default choice for sauces, dressings and delicate desserts. Shop → ](https://honeybeeandco.uk/acacia-honey/) [ ![HoneyBee & Co. Heather honey jar](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/heather-honey-600x750-1.avif "17")Bold & Resinous ### Heather Yorkshire Moors heather. The bold note that cuts through cheese, glazes red meat, lifts gingerbread. Shop → ](https://honeybeeandco.uk/heather-honey/) [ ![HoneyBee & Co. Wildflower honey jar](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wildflower-honey.avif "18")All-Rounder ### Wildflower British Midlands polyfloral. The everyday all-rounder. Works on a board, on porridge, in baking. Shop → ](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wildflower-honey/) [ ![HoneyBee & Co. Soft Set honey jar](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/soft-set-honey-600x751-1.avif "19")Spreadable ### Soft Set Creamy, spreadable, holds its shape. The breakfast favourite for toast, crumpets, and scones. Shop → ](https://honeybeeandco.uk/soft-set-honey/) Tips ## Things *worth knowing* ### Be careful with food colouring Wear an apron. Red food colouring stains everything. As you mix the batter, use a spatula to scrape down the bowl frequently throughout the entire process. ### Buttermilk substitute If you do not have buttermilk to hand, mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes before using. ### Frosting consistency If you prefer a sweeter and stiffer frosting, more powdered sugar can be added (up to four cups). The more sugar you add, the less you will taste the tangy cream cheese, so start cautiously and adjust to taste. Common Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes a red velvet cake red? Traditionally, the chemical reaction between cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar produced a reddish hue in older cocoa varieties. Modern Dutch-process cocoa does not react the same way, so most red velvet recipes today rely on red food colouring to achieve the signature colour. Beetroot powder is a natural alternative. ### Can I use raw honey instead of sugar in red velvet cake? In the cake batter itself, replacing all the sugar with honey is difficult because honey is liquid and changes the texture. You can replace up to a third of the sugar with raw honey if you also reduce the buttermilk slightly. In the cream cheese frosting, however, a tablespoon of raw Acacia honey works beautifully and lifts the flavour without changing the texture. ### Why is red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting? Cream cheese frosting became the standard pairing in the late 20th century because the slight tang of the cheese balances the sweetness of the cake and the subtle cocoa note. It is a more sophisticated pairing than buttercream, and the white surface highlights the deep red crumb when the cake is sliced. ### How long does red velvet cake keep? Frosted, refrigerated in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 4 days. Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving so the crumb softens. Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. ### Can I make red velvet cupcakes from this recipe? Yes. Divide the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with cases. Bake at 180C (160C fan / Gas 4) for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting. The recipe makes around 18 to 24 cupcakes depending on portion size. ![Dragos Nistor, founder of HoneyBee & Co.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dragos-Nistor-Founder-at-HoneyBee-Co.-.jpg "10")## About the editor **Dragos Nistor** is the founder of HoneyBee & Co., the sixth generation of his family to keep bees. The brand has been featured in Vogue across three consecutive editions in summer 2024 and supplies NHS staff rooms, Premier League clubs and a handful of London hotels he is not allowed to name. He writes about raw honey, beekeeping, and the recipes the family kitchen has developed over six generations. **Founder, HoneyBee & Co.** · [Read his story →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/about/) From The Kitchen Table ## Tried This? Sign in and tell us how it went. Loading reviews Recent Reviews ## You might also like [Recipe · Dessert### Honey-Drizzled Apple Puffs Six rings of British apple wrapped in puff pastry, dusted with cinnamon sugar, finished with raw Acacia honey.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/honey-drizzled-apple-puffs/) [Recipe · Baking### Five Raw Honey Flapjacks One master method, five distinct flapjacks. Classic Acacia, orange and sunflower seed, fruit and nut, pear and cinnamon, dark chocolate.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/raw-honey-flapjacks-5-ultimate-delicious-recipes/) [Reference · Health### Honey vs Sugar: A Comprehensive Report The definitive comparison. Glycaemic index, antioxidants, processing, and what the science actually says.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/honey-vs-sugar/)