Red Velvet, If You Please
Best flavor, or best flavor ever?
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I’m not shy about my love of red velvet treats. But one of my biggest complaints is that it can be a challenge to find great gluten-free ones. I’ve been disappointed more than a few times to discover that the “red velvet” cake or cupcake I’d acquired was basically a vanilla cake with food dye. They would get the color right and the light-crumb texture would be perfectly fine, but the flavor — that sensual blend of vanilla and cocoa — was nowhere to be found.
Red velvet is less about color than flavor. In fact, it started out more than a century ago as a “velvet” cake — but always with that beautiful marriage of vanilla and cocoa. The color was an accident: when acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar were combined with the natural pigments in raw cocoa, they produced a reddish hue in the cake. It was more like maroon velvet early on. The bright red we associate with it now is a modern innovation that has nothing to do with the taste.
Since Valentine’s Day is on the near horizon, I thought it would be a good time to share some of the best bakeries I know of for red velvet treats. Be warned that most only offer local delivery (a red velvet cake is actually trickier to ship than, say, a chocolate cake because of its cream-cheese frosting). But the good news is that red velvet isn’t a seasonal flavor, so you should be able to get the goods anytime you’re in the right area. Bon appétit — and happy Valentine’s Day!
CONFECTIONS
Since it’s a challenge to get fresh-baked red velvet treats shipped, I’m including a few red velvet–flavored confections that can easily be delivered to your door.
ChipMonk Red Velvet Keto Cookie Bites: These delicious soft-baked, bite-size cookies are gluten free, low sugar, and keto friendly, and come in resealable pouches.
David High Protein Bars in Red Velvet: I don’t count macros, but I have friends who do, and they are all obsessed with David’s. Why? The stats per bar: 0g of sugar, 28g of protein, 150 calories — and the bars are certified gluten-free. The red velvet bar is no substitute for a cake, but it’s yummy.
MadeGood Red Velvet Soft Baked Mini Cookies: These nut-free, school-friendly mini cookies are organic and gluten free. The bulk boxes of individually sealed packs are designed precisely for tossing into lunch boxes. (You’re welcome, kids!)
Reese’s Red Velvet Miniatures: I laughed at these the first time I saw them. Later, in a moment of weakness, I bought a bag and… they’re actually good. Really good. Grab them now because they are a seasonal item and can be tough to find!
