Waldorf Astoria Red Cake & Waldorf Icing

Recipe Rating:	2 Ratings5
Category:	Cakes
Keywords:	red, cocoa, vinegar, buttermilk, velvet
Serves:	many

Ingredients

WALDORF ASTORIA RED CAKE
1/2 c	shortening
1 1/2 c	sugar
2 oz	red cake coloring
2 Tbsp	cocoa
2	eggs
1 c	buttermilk
2 1/4 c	sifted flour
1 tsp	salt
1 tsp	vanilla
1 Tbsp	vinegar
1 tsp	baking soda
WALDORF ICING
1 c	milk
3 Tbsp	flour
1 tsp	vanilla
2 stk	oleo = 1 cup
1 c	sugar

Pinched by teresamccormick70, and 81 more.

Billie Neal

Lightly Salted

Malden, MO (pop. 4,275)

WildExpectation

Member Since Nov 2010

Billie's Notes:

This recipe was my mother's. SUPPOSEDLY, this is the original of what would become known as the "Red Velvet Cake".
As the story was told, this recipe was created by the Waldorf Astoria's baking Chef for the opening of the Waldorf or very shortly thereafter. Now whether this is true history or not is not for me to say because I wasn't there. This story is a hand-me down.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I have enjoyed it throughout the years!

Directions

"WALDORF ASTORIA RED CAKE"

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs.

Make a paste of cocoa and cake coloring and add to mixture.

Add vanilla and buttermilk alternately with flour and salt, beating after each addition.

Mix soda and vinegar and blend into mixture.

Bake 25 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

"WALDORF ICING"

Cook milk and flour until thick, let cool.

Cream well, butter and sugar, beat until butter turns white.

Add vanilla and cool mixture.

Beat till fluffy like whipped cream.

Comments

1-12 of 13 comments

Showing OLDEST First
(Switch to Newest First)

Jan Bartholome 2HandsForHim

Jan 21, 2013

This was also one of MY mother's treasured recipes, Billie. It was called "$200 Red Cake" because, supposedly, someone had paid the chef at the Waldorf $200 for the recipe, which was given only to people you really loved and was considered a great treasure (This was back in the '50s!) I always made it at Christmas when my kids were little, and we called it "Jesus's Birthday Cake." We would put candles on it and sing, "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. It helped them remember what the holiday was REALLY about! The icing is VERY good!!

Billie Neal WildExpectation

Jan 21, 2013

Thanks so much Jan!!! Since you mentioned it, I do remember hearing my mom say that someone paid $200 dollars for the recipe, but I was a kid and the amount did sound like alot, but not as much as knowing it was in the 50's!!! You really started a marvelous family tradition and tribute to our Dear Savior!!! That is very heart touching!! I'm going to mentioning that tradition to a few of my friends, if it is alright with you of course?

Jan Bartholome 2HandsForHim

Jan 21, 2013

I'd love to see that tradition shared with other families, Billie. Now that the cake can be made from a mix, it would be easier for busy young moms to do it. It really does make a lovely Christmas cake.

Billie Neal WildExpectation

Jan 21, 2013

Yes, I think it does. That is such a unique tradition. I would think that many families would love to do that!!!

Marcia McCance mmccance

Jan 21, 2013

Great recipes Billie!! You've been very busy!! LOL Glad of it! Hugs!

Billie Neal WildExpectation

Jan 21, 2013

Oh, hi, Marcia! Did you put me on your faves list?!!!

Marcia McCance mmccance

Jan 21, 2013

Is that the same as "following" someone? If so, yes!! I get an e-mail every time you whirl around!! Laughing!!

Billie Neal WildExpectation

Jan 21, 2013

Yes it is, but I forget that it is called following, so I just go with faves. Following favorite cooks!!!
I know!! It keeps you busy!! How did you think I was PINCHING all of your recipes?!!!!!

Jan Bartholome 2HandsForHim

Jan 21, 2013

Since I have made this cake so many times I wanted to come back and rate it and give it the "seal of approval" to encourage others to try it. It IS so much better than the boxed Red Velvet cake mixes!