Is the red food coloring required for velvet cake or can it just be cake?

The name "velvet cake" comes from its texture, which is incredibly soft and smooth, almost like velvet. This texture is achieved through the use of buttermilk, cocoa powder, and often a touch of vinegar or lemon juice.

While some recipes may call for red food coloring, it's primarily for aesthetic reasons to give the cake a reddish hue. The red coloring is not essential to the cake's signature texture or flavor.

So, you can definitely make delicious velvet cake without using red food coloring. You can even experiment with other colorings or leave it plain for a more subtle look!