Mary Berrys Secret Red Velvet Cake Recipe Revealed!

In the world of baking, few names resonate as strongly as Mary Berry. Known for her incredible recipes that have graced television screens and cookbooks for decades, Mary Berry has a knack for creating cakes that are not only delicious but also infused with her signature touch of perfection. Today, we're diving into one of her most coveted creations: the Secret Red Velvet Cake. This luxurious dessert has become a staple at celebrations, and its vibrant color, paired with a delicate flavor, makes it a showstopper. Let's uncover the mystery behind Mary Berry's Secret Red Velvet Cake Recipe! 🎉

The History of Red Velvet Cake 🎂

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Red Velvet Cake has a rich and colorful history. Originating in the United States, it was a dessert born out of economic necessity. During World War II, when butter and sugar were rationed, bakers came up with alternatives. Red velvet cake, with its unique combination of ingredients, became a popular choice:

• Cocoa: Originally, bakers used natural cocoa powder, which gave the cake its mild chocolate flavor.
• Buttermilk: This ingredient was plentiful, creating a moist cake with a slight tang.
• Vinegar: Reacted with buttermilk to give a light, fluffy texture.
• Beetroot: For a short period, beetroot was added for both color and moisture before red food coloring was common.

Over time, the addition of red food coloring intensified the color, making the cake visually stunning, while the recipe evolved to keep the flavors balanced and the texture perfect.

Mary Berry’s Take on Red Velvet 🍰

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Mary Berry’s approach to baking is about elevating simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. Here’s her special take on the classic Red Velvet Cake:

• Balanced Ingredients: Mary focuses on balancing the cocoa with just the right amount of red food coloring to avoid an overpowering taste.
• Moisture: With buttermilk and a hint of vinegar, the cake retains moisture, giving it a soft, velvety texture.
• Flavor: She adds a whisper of vanilla to round off the flavors, ensuring the cake is not too chocolatey but still rich.

Ingredients 🍳

For a perfect Mary Berry Red Velvet Cake, you'll need:

• Dry Ingredients

  • 300g self-raising flour, sifted
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• Wet Ingredients

  • 275ml sunflower oil
  • 275ml buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp red food colouring (gel or paste)

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 300g full-fat cream cheese
  • 200g icing sugar, sifted
  • 125g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crafting the Cake 🍰

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The process of making Mary Berry's Red Velvet Cake is meticulous but rewarding:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional)/Gas 4.
   • Grease and line the base of two 20cm sandwich tins with baking parchment.

2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, caster sugar, and bicarbonate of soda. Mix well.

3. Combining Wet Ingredients:

   • In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and food coloring until smooth.

4. Batter:

   • Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly to create a vibrant, smooth batter.

5. Baking:

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cooling:

   • Let the cakes cool in their tins for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

<p class="pro-note">🍰 Note: If the batter appears too thick, add a touch more buttermilk or oil to adjust the consistency. Remember, the color will darken slightly as it bakes.</p>

Crafting the Cream Cheese Frosting 🍽️

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The frosting is where Mary's Red Velvet Cake truly shines:

1. Preparation:

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Mixing:

   • Gradually beat in the icing sugar until fully incorporated.
   • Add the cream cheese and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

3. Decoration:

   • Once the cakes are cool, spread or pipe the frosting onto one cake layer, place the second cake on top, and cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting.

Presentation and Serving 🎨

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Presentation is key, especially for a cake as visually striking as this:

• Decoration: Garnish with edible flowers, or create a swirl pattern with the frosting. Some bakers opt for a smooth finish, while others go for a more rustic look with a generous amount of frosting.
• Serving: Serve slices at room temperature for the best texture.

<p class="pro-note">🎨 Note: To maintain the vibrant red color, avoid overmixing the batter once the food coloring is added. Also, remember that red food coloring can stain, so be cautious with your kitchen surfaces and clothes.</p>

FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make this cake ahead of time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can make the cake layers a day or two ahead. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for optimal freshness.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is red velvet cake actually chocolate cake?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Red velvet cake has cocoa, but it's not a true chocolate cake. The emphasis is on the distinctive red color and a balance between the cocoa and other flavors like vanilla and buttermilk.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use natural food coloring for this recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use natural red food coloring like beetroot powder or juice, but keep in mind that the color won't be as vibrant, and it might affect the cake's texture slightly.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

With Mary Berry’s Secret Red Velvet Cake Recipe now in your hands, you're equipped to create a dessert that not only tastes exceptional but also tells a story through its vibrant hues and historical roots. This cake, with its delicate balance of flavors and textures, is more than just a dessert; it's a testament to Mary Berry’s legacy in the world of baking. Whether for a special occasion or just because, bake this cake, and let its exquisite layers unfold the magic of traditional baking, reimagined by one of Britain's culinary icons. Enjoy the process, and let each bite bring a slice of joy and tradition to your table! 🍰✨