Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I have read the posts about Red Velvet Cake and I would report the same as other members i.e. the cake turns out red, but with brown streaks running through it.
Silver Spoon red colouring is no longer available (recommended by Hummingbird Bakery)
Someone suggested the Lorraine Pascale recipe, but she does not specify which brand to use.
I have to date tried Sugarflair, Dr Oetker, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and all leave the brownish tinge. The cake tastes great, but I cannot achieve just a bright red.
I have heard that it is because the colours now have to be natural and as such will never produce a vibrant red without the brownish tinge.
I mix the colouring with the buttermilk, which is what most recipes seem to do.
If anyone out there has the solution, either in the method or in the best brand of food colour to use for Red Velvet Cake I would be so grateful.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Deane-Mae

Hi I made some red velvet cupcakes for valentines and used ‘sugar flair extra red colour paste” the cakes came out dark red, lovely colour, it is quite expensive at £4.99 a small tub! I hope this helps. Cheryl

Hi Dean =Mae

I don’t bake red velvet cake but I do use red food colouring. I find Progel colours best for intensity and clarity. These are professional gels made by Rainbow Dust and are much more concentrated than the normal food colours. A little goes a long way, also keeps good baked colour. Available here http://www.craftcompany.co.uk/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/13194/?gclid=CIq1hsO107wCFfLHtAoddngAbA or on ebay, Amazon and other online cake decorating supply stores.
I always colour batter a shade deeper than I want as some can tone down during the baking process.

Thank you Chery land madeitwith love; I will give both your suggestions a go.
There will be many a Red Velvet cake being baked in this house for a while; I am determined to crack this!
Cheryl, do you mix the paste with the buttermilk as I do?
Thank you.
Deane-Mae

hi Deane-Mae I recently made red velvet for valentines and used the sugarflair ‘ruby’ red, they turned out perfect x

Thank you Elle, is that a paste or liquid?
Deane-Mae

sorry for late response, it was paste x

No worries Elle; thank you for your reply.
Deane-Mae