Is Red Velvet Cake Actually Chocolate?

And if it’s not chocolate, what is it?

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Few desserts command attention quite like a red velvet cake.

But what exactly makesred velvet cakered velvet?

Southern Living Red Velvet Bundt Cake cooling out of the pan on the cooling rack

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Spoiler: its more than just food dye.

Is Red Velvet A Chocolate Cake?

No, red velvet is not a “chocolate cake.”

dolloping cream cheese frosting on top of red velvet cake layers

Credit:Molly Bolton/Southern Living

This misconception likely stems from the fact that one of the key ingredients in red velvet is cocoa powder.

However, red velvet does not fall under the chocolate cake umbrella.

So in short, no; categorically, red velvet is not a chocolate cake.

Southern Living Red Velvet Bundt Cake sliced on a cake plate ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Molly Bolton/Southern Living

Red velvet cake has anelusive history.

Thus, red velvet was born.

A bite of red velvet cake is rich, but not overly sweet.

Red velvet cake is incredibly tender with very little springiness or chew.

More often than not, youll see red velvet cake enrobed in white.

However, modern red velvet cakes are usually iced withcream cheese frostingorvanilla buttercream.

The distinctions between red velvet and chocolate are anything but insignificant and can be broken down as follows.