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  3. First Lady Michelle Obama's Favorite Red Velvet Cake

First Lady Michelle Obama's Favorite Red Velvet Cake

By Bill YossesPublished: Apr 8, 2021
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preview for Former White House Chef Reveals Michelle Obama's Fave Cake & The First Lady's Most Inspiring Moments
Yields:
1
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
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First Lady Michelle Obama is well known for her commitment to healthy eating and fitness, both while in office and after. BUT what you might not know is that she has a bit of a sweet tooth, and one of her absolute favorite "sometimes foods" was this truly decadent Red Velvet Cake.

Former White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses says that though the Obama Whitehouse was known for having pie for dessert, this cake was a major exception. Everyone in the White House couldn't resist this rich, deeply red cake coated in perfectly fluffy and sweet cream cheese frosting. And now that we've tried it ourselves...neither can we! If you're a red velvet fiend, check out these 60+ other red velvet concoctions.

Tried making this cake at home? Let us know how it came out in the comments below!

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Ingredients

For cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups

    granulated sugar

  • 6 oz.

    unsalted butter 

  • 2 1/2 cups

    all-purpose flour  

  • 2 tsp.

    baking soda

  • 1 cup

    buttermilk

  • 1 Tbsp.

    pure vanilla extract 

  • 4

    large eggs

  • 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt

  • 2 Tbsp.

    cocoa powder 

  • 2 oz.

    red food coloring

  • 2 oz.

    hot water

  • 1 tsp.

    vinegar

For frosting:

  • 8 oz.

    cream cheese

  • 2 oz.

    unsalted butter, softened

  • 8 oz.

    confectioners sugar

  • 1 tsp.

    pure vanilla extract

Directions

    1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. In a stand mixer, mix together sugar and butter. Slowly add flour sifted with baking soda.
    2. Step 2Alternatively, add buttermilk, and then add vanilla, eggs, and salt. 
    3. Step 3Mix cocoa powder with red food coloring and water. Add to mixture.
    4. Step 4Add vinegar.
    5. Step 5Pour into 3 8" cake pans and bake for 20 minutes.  
  • For frosting and assembly:

    1. Step 1Using paddle attachment, mix butter and cream cheese, then slowly add confectioners sugar and vanilla.
    2. Step 2Build the cake by alternating layers of cake and frosting. Then frost the sides and top of the cake, and smooth.  Decorate with any leftover frosting and serve.
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