It’s easy to tell the difference between a red velvet cake and a chocolate cake—all you have to do is determine which one is red. But not all red cake is red velvet cake, and that deep, iconic color isn’t the only thing that sets it apart. Read on to learn about the differences between chocolate and red velvet cake and become a connoisseur of this delicious dessert.
Vinegar Is the Key
Red velvet cake isn’t just regular cake with red food coloring. Its unique color stems from its ingredients—namely, vinegar. Red velvet recipes require a combination of vinegar and buttermilk. When this unique mix of ingredients combines with the cocoa powder, it turns the batter red.
There have been variations of red velvet cake that use beet juice to mimic its iconic look. This was a particularly common practice during periods of ingredient rationing in World War II. However, true red velvet cake relies on the unique chemical reaction between vinegar, buttermilk, and cocoa powder to achieve its popular color.
Flavor Differences
The bright red color isn’t the only difference between chocolate and red velvet cake. There’s also a difference in flavor. Red velvet cake has a sweet, chocolatey flavor thanks to the cocoa powder, but it’s milder than the rich flavor of chocolate cake. Additionally, adding vinegar to the mix provides a bit of tang, creating a captivating balance of sweetness and tartness in every red velvet bite.
Texture Differences
The different ingredients of a red velvet cake work together to create a unique texture. An ideal chocolate cake tends to be a bit denser because of its moist consistency and rich flavor. But the perfect red velvet cake is lighter as the vinegar and buttermilk mixture allows for a softer, more tender texture. Their crumbs are different, too, with a more solid crumb for chocolate cake varying from the iconic, velvety crumb of a red velvet cake.
Whether you’re a red velvet fan or a chocolate enthusiast, Damask Cakes has everything you need to make delicious cake recipes at home. Check out our cake making kits that will have you crafting your favorite sweet treats with ease.
