We Tried 9 Red Velvet Cake Recipes

In this video, I taste my way through 9 popular red velvet cake recipes in search of the best recipe!
The full breakdown, including the data analysis and my top picks, is posted on my blog. Thank you to our sponsor, @imperialsugar for providing the high-quality pure cane sugar and powdered sugar that powered each fluffy cake and silky frosting!
Blog post: TBD
Instagram: / thepancakeprincess
Facebook: / pancakeprincessblog
Videography by Michael Ma from Makin Media: makinmediastudios.com/
Recipes (in order shown):
00:00​​​ Intro to the red velvet cake bake off
00:42 Sugar Geek Show: sugargeekshow.com/recipe/red-...
1:54 Bakerealla: www.bakerella.com/red-velvet-...
3:03 African Bites: www.africanbites.com/red-velv...
4:05 Zoe Bakes: zoebakes.com/2009/07/20/a-red...
5:06 NYT: cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1...
6:26 Bravetart: food52.com/recipes/83631-best...
8:06 McCormick: www.mccormick.com/recipes/des...
9:13 Divas Can Cook: divascancook.com/the-best-red...
10:33 Sally's Baking Addiction: sallysbakingaddiction.com/red...
11:37 Favorite picks!
12:11 Wrap up + bloopers
In case you're new here, here's how a bake off works:
- I bake 9-12 different recipes in one day
- Samples of each recipe get distributed to a team of tasters
- Tasters rank each sample for flavor, texture and overall appeal
- We analyze the data and rank each recipe according to the scores!

[@acrophobe]

I made my first red velvet cake about 10 years ago and used Divas Can Cook's recipe. It was an instant hit and I've been using a variation of that recipe ever since any time I have to bake a cake. I usually cut back the sugar in the cake by about 1/4, use cake flour instead of all purpose, EVOO instead of canola oil, double the cocoa powder, and the cake really only needs about 1/4 of the red food coloring called for to make it a deep red cake. I also just add sugar to the frosting to taste and it ends up being maybe half as sweet as the recipe calls for. It's a profoundly delicious, deeply chocolatey and tangy cake that flirts with savoriness, with a robust tangy frosting. One thing to be aware of is that with the buttermilk and coffee the recipe calls for, the cake batter is going to be thinner than you'd expect. Have no fear and trust in the batter, it will turn out perfect.

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Amazing!!! A perfect description of this cake!!

[@jdao789]

Thanks for mentioning all your variation! I don't like cake that are too sweet so I always cut down in sugar but I never know how far I can go without affecting texture!

[@dessertcomes1st]

I just have to say how HELPFUL your blog and channel are! As an enthusiastic home baker, you’ve really helped me weed out the “bad” recipes. Please keep up the good work.

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

That is so kind, thank you!! Glad it's helpful!

[@karenlin5731]

Wow, what an effort to bake all and then analysis the difference between them. You did such a good job and thanks for sharing. What professional and get to the point. Just love it 🥰

[@omaryousef7616]

My notes for Divas Can Cook said "10/10, would live on this cake for the rest of my life". Of COURSE it had coffee in it!

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Hahaha love those notes!!

[@scootertron8332]

Wow. You put a lot of work into this and RV cake is my favorite. Thank you! My go-to has always been Brown-Eyed Baker's recipe.

[@cookiefavors]

Thank you so much for the review! Wow! Very grateful!

[@janicescott7338]

Great show. Yes, vinegar a must plus buttermilk is also. Lately I see instant coffee granules in with chocolate. One of my favorite cakes. Thanks for the hard work on this one.❤️

[@rockjade3]

This video was done so well! You described each cake sample efficiently and you kept it mind how the frosting would overall effect the cake. I also love how everything was labeled so it was easy to go back and watch your favorites. I appreciate the links and times in the description. Thank you so much! ❤️

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Thank you SO MUCH Jade!! So happy to hear this was helpful for you

[@hanika1538]

please try preppy kitchen and cupcake gemma's recipes.

[@sarmiento123]

Yessss !!

[@waveats9211]

I literally just tried preppy kitchen’s in time for Valentine’s Day and it turned out amazing! I tweaked it a bit on the frosting side, I cut on the powdered sugar coz I don’t like it too sweet! But both of them are one of my go to’s!

[@germainegyeo]

@@waveats9211 hi there! What changes did you made for the frosting? I’m kinda worried that the frosting will turn out too sweet as well but not sure what adjustment I should make to not affect the texture :)

[@paprikac1l4ntr0]

Yes they both have great red velvet cake n cupcake

[@katlegotlhapane3347]

And the Scran Line’s recipe please 😊

[@nuvigroovi]

This was so helpful! I loved hearing your comments. Even the background music works!

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Woo love to hear positive comments on the background music!! Thank you!

[@nayyabmughal1123]

Keep doing these types of videos. Great content

[@taratabor]

Super cool video, I thank you for all the pre work to get us this far regarding red velvet cake

[@MarieJesne]

I'm so shocked you don't have more subscribers!!! Such an informative and fun video, I'm binge watching your whole channel now. Hopefully you'll upload here again soon!

[@saraatppkdotpt8140]

Loved watching this video!

[@ayarahimi9799]

Would LOVE to see a video like this on chocolate cake I know you have chocolate cake bake offs on your blog but it’s so nice to see visuals

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Ahh yes if I ever get around to re-doing that bake off, will def post a video!

[@TimmyS2CUTE4U]

Thanks for ur research! you just saved me tons of time!

[@niniedmax2578]

Thank you so much for this helpful content

[@SilviaZeroual]

Great video. You need to market these. Great work!

[@tiffanynguyen5487]

This video is very helpful. Thank you so much . Please make a video of Vanilla cake. I always have trouble of making vanilla cake😪

[@BakeryInLondon]

I can't wait for a red velvet brownie bake off 😍

[@MadebyYouandI]

It seems easy to see when you make it but the danger happens only when I make it 🙂 Awesome video! Beautiful cakes -- thanks for trying all the recipes for us. :) I look forward to giving this a try. :) And good luck with the channel!

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Thanks so much and good luck with your baking!!!

[@MadebyYouandI]

@@erikathepancakeprincess You're welcome. Have a great week!

[@spaghelle]

Have you tried using red velvet emulsion? I find it to add way more flavor than just using a red food coloring?

[@maybelline_79]

Thanks for this! I tried Divas and it's my favorite red velvet recipe. So moist! I agree that Sally's is dry.

[@LeslieWho]

great channel! love this concept!

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Thank you so much!!

[@amberjones8519]

your video very helpfull,thanks

[@sheridanford5080]

Love your Bake Offs Erika! I've been waiting for this one especially! Thought NYT would win, good to see some other recipes having great results. Thank you ❤️😘

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Thank you so much Sheridan!!

[@6ftwalka783]

Shout out to ‘Diva’s Can Cook’ My Faaaavvvvvve!! 🥰🥰🥰🫶🏾

[@brendaguardado812]

Thank you Thank you!!! Please make more videos like this!!!! So tired of waisting time and ingredients. Please do a carrot cake bake off❤

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Carrot cake is here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbWqqOYiNhmea8

[@a.j2376]

Hi! Could you do the same type of video on vanilla cake pleaseee

[@chasesloan6662]

Kinda late to the party here but great video! I was a bit disappointed the one with the brown sugar wasn’t as good - I love using brown sugar in vanilla cakes as it gives a bit of a denser crumb and chocolate chip cookie - ish flavor

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Agree that brown sugar adds such good flavor! I wonder if adding brown sugar to the "winning" recipe would make it even better...

[@jilarevers5427]

Thanks

[@clutch236]

Doesn't the flavor of the cake come down to the flavoring extracts and the brands that you use?

[@susuhabibi]

i also tried sallys red velvet and I was really disappointed by it as well. Dry and had no flavor. Thanks for this great video! I might try divas or Zoe’s now

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Yes, so strange because I know some have had great luck with Sally's recipe--good to know you had a similar experience. I think Divas will be a huge hit!

[@whiterae836]

Well, I tried the Red Velvet Cupcake version and the cupcakes came out really nice, moist and with a nice crumb, but I also had the same probably, of it being dry, with the Red Velvet Cake version

[@FutureCommentary1]

If you taste all the red velvet cakes and for pretty much every one you comment that you don't taste the cocoa much... it's because it's a red velvet cake and not a chocolate cake...

[@milkandhoney84]

Yes!!!! Red Velvet is not supposed to be chocolate forward. The cocoa is to enhance the color and add a little "something" in the flavor profile.

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

@@milkandhoney84 true, but sometimes I think it adds a little more than others and I prefer red velvet slightly more cocoa forward. Point taken though.

[@jilarevers5427]

@The Pancake Princess sooo am confused .... How is genuine red velvet cake supposed to taste... Since u hv now made it clear u have a preference for more cocoa... And ur preference for all the cream cheese frosted cake.... I feel a cake should answer to its name without any kind of frosting first.... Anyways red velvet cake still remains vanilla cake with red colouring...or a red moist chocolate cake..... Cos now we have white velvet cake..... Am off to learn Divas can Cook🙂 recipe.... Thanks

[@FutureCommentary1]

@@jilarevers5427 It has its own taste. A hint of cocoa, some tanginess, very moist. Last time I made it I didn't make any frosting and it was delish. And I don't like chocolate cake actually.

[@anthonydavid8193]

@@jilarevers5427 So how did yours come out? I make herDivas recipe everytime,& everyone loves it! Including me,although mines always comes out more burgundy than red! :) Maybe you should try Cakeman Raven's recipe also,which is pretty famous & very good.

[@MaggieAPark]

Make more videos they are very helpful, trust me 🤓

[@philipplouden5892]

I’m curious, have you tried the cake man raven recipe?

[@Appaddict01]

Most red velvet cake recipes only have 3 tablespoons of cocoa. It’s supposed to be light chocolate flavored. That’s why I’m not a huge fan of red velvet. I like CHOCOLATE cake. I do highly recommend Sugar Geek Show’s lemon velvet cake it had amazing texture. It uses the reverse creaming method and cake flour.

[@geaj]

I prefer the original Ermine frosting on a red velvet cake. The NYT recipe is the original Waldorf recipe.

[@amadiasthelium9427]

Divas Can Cook has a great recipe but my all time favorite is by All Things Alexus. ATA has the moisture, light chocolate notes, and a frosting to die for, literally! Give it a try next time.

[@raza834]

Hi, thank you for making this video! I have tried many red velvet recipes from sugar geek, preppy kitchen, Gemma cakes ect but I must say Divas can cook version was the best! A must try to all looking for that perfect recipe!

[@mjabbar28]

can you do one of these for chocolate cakes

[@elizareyes5346]

I once tried like 4-5 recipes I had a cake order although I only bake for family. I ended up going with a doctored recipe although I personally liked Sweetapolita better with is from scratch

[@denisela3403]

Yes. I still use hers. I change the mayo to sour cream. It's amazing.

[@stardroplet9499]

❤️

[@liasmusicbox350]

I love this Channel! please make choc chip cookies!!

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Thank you, hopefully chocolate chip cookies will be coming soon!!

[@SWC343]

Could you do a chocolate chip recipe? Ive been looking for a good chocolate chip recipe. Even got to try McDonald's chocolate chip cookie and it tasted good. Also heard Alton Brown hard a good chocolate chip made with bread flour.

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

I do have an old CCC bake off but have been meaning to redo it and would love to do a video when I do!

[@jacquelineg444]

can you do a regular chocolate chip cookie one ?

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Yes, I did one in 2017 (www.thepancakeprincess.com/2017/09/19/best-chocolate-chip-cookie-bake-off/) but am dying to do an updated bake off!

[@idaniatirado5739]

Can you do a vanilla cake bake off. Please!

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

On my list!

[@nutcrackerdesserts6403]

Try bigger bolder baking recipes!

[@BC-hmm]

if youtube doesn’t work it for her, the presenter could kill it modeling for shampoo commercials. That is some perfect hair she’s got

[@Regemony]

The graininess in the frosting is from adding acid (citrus). Cream cheese icing is much better without anything else.

[@Appaddict01]

It’s from the powdered sugar.

[@jerriefisher792]

I don't see how you can beat the original--Adam's Best Vanilla Extract Red Velvet Cake recipe.

[@bcbdrums]

Do devils food cakes please?

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Ooooh that's a great idea!!!

[@DaBishopJermaine]

Knowing the history of Southern Traditional Red Velvet Cake, it never included cocoa Powder…. I always have to tell people that anything over a teaspoon of cocoa powder is a chocolate cake not a traditional red velvet….. Cocoa was incorporated when someone didn’t have enough red food coloring so they added cocoa to help with the color. As it traveled many added more cocoa which altered the taste…

[@StacyBG]

Can you please tell me the traditional way

[@Elle9228000]

I have never heard that before, I heard the red color was inspired but the natural reddish tint that happened when the cocoa and acids in the cake reacted. All my research said a tablespoon is the amount needed for the very mild chocolate flavor the cake is known for and anything more than that will make it a chocolate cake and prevent the red color to show. The original used almond flour and the modern version we know now was inspired by the recipe created by the Waldorf Astoria hotels restaurant. However like all things it’s open to interpretation as people will always experiment and replace if needed when in the kitchen and as a result many tasty creations will be discovered. I am glad I read your comment very interesting I definitely will share it with my friends that bake it’s going to stir some interesting comments.

[@nohastrde]

ashhad 'an la 'iilah 'iilaa allah wa'ashhad 'ana muhamad rasul allah❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️٠

[@majestic6303]

This is a cooking video. What’s the benefit of having it here.

[@StacyBG]

The african bite links needs to set properly..i cant click it

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Fixed, thank you!

[@reginalaborin3]

please try cake by Courtney’s recipes

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Love her!!

[@margesinclair451]

From my understanding, Southern red velvet cake is not supposed to have a very strong cocoa taste. It is a taste of its own

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

I would agree--it's not supposed to taste like chocolate cake, but I think the best red velvet cakes have a hint of cocoa vs. a pure sweet flavor.

[@esmeraldadesantiago6141]

Im making Divas can cook right now

[@bigbrain296]

Hey I noticed that your channel is marked as 'Made for kids'. This disables the ability for me to ring the bell on your channel. Please disable it so I can be kept updated with your content.

[@erikathepancakeprincess]

Thank you, done!

[@Impossibly_gorgeous]

The new york times one looked so dry. Even before you tasted it. I wouldn't eat that

[@LynnHermione]

It'd be nice to say if these have food coloring, real red velvet doesn't have coloring

[@____Ann____]

Sorry dear, I love your videos. But the background moaning in this one drives me insane. When you are talking there is no need for 'music'. I am interested in what you say.

[@uploader1760]

Divas cake is not good.. It’s not moist, it’s oily. It’s overly saturated in vegetable oil so the cake itself taste like vegetable oil.

[@destinyhart7532]

Please cut the music and I thought cream cheese wasn't vegan