Linda CainWhen I think about serving Neiman Marcus Red Velvet Cake, I can’t help but imagine the delightful spread that goes with it. It’s rich, vibrant, and just calling for some equally appealing companion dishes.
Start off with a refreshing fruit salad. Think juicy strawberries, tangy kiwi, and sweet blueberries. The fresh flavors offer a nice contrast to the cake’s sweetness, balancing everything beautifully.
An excellent drink to accompany this cake is a classic creamy vanilla latte or even a fizzy lemonade. The coffee brings an elegant touch, while lemonade adds a cheerful zest. Either one will elevate your dessert experience.
And let’s not forget the charm of a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, melting lovingly into the cake’s layers. It simply brings joy to the plate.
Now, let’s delve into the delights of the Neiman Marcus Red Velvet Cake itself.
Why This Recipe Is a Showstopper
This cake is more than just a treat; it embodies a special kind of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings, birthdays, and celebrations. There’s something deeply satisfying about baking an iconic dessert that has graced tables for generations.
I remember the first time I attempted this recipe. The incredible aroma wafted through my kitchen, and my family couldn’t help but gather around, eager to taste the delightful concoction. It’s a dish that commands attention; it’s dramatic with its vibrant red hue, and the creaminess of the frosting is hard to resist.
This version stays true to the classic, yet I’ve tweaked it just a little. I’ve experienced the joy of incorporating each ingredient, from the tactile sensation of sifting flour to the vivid splash of red food coloring. It’s a process, a celebration, one that thrills my senses!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this cake is an adventure, and it all starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
For the Cake:
- 2 large eggs: The binding stars of our cake. They contribute moisture and richness.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness defined! This brings balance to the cocoa and creates a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening: A bit unconventional, but it adds a tender crumb.
- 2 ounces red food coloring: The showstopper! It gives the cake its iconic hue.
- 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Just a hint of chocolate flavor rounds things out.
- 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour: The foundation of the structure.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Essential for that tender crumb and a subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda, creating a light cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that brings the cake to life.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: An optional addition, but a little nutty flavor elevates it.
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Because what’s a cake without frosting?
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens our frosting perfectly.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: The richer, the better! Butter lends a velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To keep it all harmonious.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Red Velvet Cake
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s step into the kitchen together! Grab your mixing bowls, and let’s create this masterpiece.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our cake will bake evenly and achieve that beautiful rise.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pans
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You want your cakes to slide out effortlessly after baking. If you’re like me and tend to forget this step, trust me, it can lead to unfortunate cake casualties.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, add the buttermilk, vanilla, almond extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. This will help distribute the cocoa evenly throughout the cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Add the Vinegar
Finally, stir in the white vinegar. This is the magic moment where your cake starts to come alive.
Step 7: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them!
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is the part where the anticipation builds.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, flour, and milk until it thickens. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter with vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add the cooled mixture and beat until combined. It should be smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides. Don’t rush this. Layer it on!
Step 11: Enjoy
Slice, serve, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe Notes
Here are a few key notes on our ingredients:
- Red Food Coloring: Always use gel food coloring for a great color without too much liquid. This keeps your batter from getting too thin.
- Buttermilk: Don’t have any on hand? A splash of vinegar in regular milk can work as a substitute. It’s a handy trick!
- Vegetable Shortening: It creates a wonderfully tender cake, but feel free to substitute with unsalted butter if you prefer that flavor.
Nutritional Information
Recipe Variations
Want to spice things up? Here are some variations to consider:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add more cocoa to the batter for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Copious Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a cream cheese frosting for an authentic Southern approach.
- Layered Delight: Make a 3-layer cake for a more dramatic presentation.
- Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake liners for individual servings.
Neiman Marcus Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 ounces red food coloring
- 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter must be butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our cake will bake evenly and achieve that beautiful rise.
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You want your cakes to slide out effortlessly after baking. If you’re like me and tend to forget this step, trust me, it can lead to unfortunate cake casualties.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, add the buttermilk, vanilla, almond extract, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is beautifully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. This will help distribute the cocoa evenly throughout the cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Finally, stir in the white vinegar. This is the magic moment where your cake starts to come alive.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them!
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is the part where the anticipation builds.
- While your cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, flour, and milk until it thickens. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter with vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add the cooled mixture and beat until combined. It should be smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides. Don’t rush this. Layer it on!
- Slice, serve, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes
- Red Food Coloring: Always use gel food coloring for a great color without too much liquid. This keeps your batter from getting too thin.
- Buttermilk: Don’t have any on hand? A splash of vinegar in regular milk can work as a substitute. It’s a handy trick!
- Vegetable Shortening: It creates a wonderfully tender cake, but feel free to substitute with unsalted butter if you prefer that flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Baking the Neiman Marcus Red Velvet Cake is not just about the delicious end product; it’s about the journey. Each step invites you to mix creativity with tradition. The vibrant color, the rich flavor, and the luscious frosting make it a timeless dessert.
As you serve it to friends and family, watch their faces light up. You’ll see the joy that comes from sharing something special. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this cake become part of your culinary adventures. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience worth cherishing.
