Red velvet cake is an American classic cake that is typically made with a cocoa-based cake, buttercream frosting, and red food coloring. It has a soft, moist texture and a subtle chocolate flavor that is balanced out by the sweetness of the frosting. The most common ingredients used in a red velvet cake recipe are all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa powder, baking soda, and buttermilk. The food coloring is usually added to give the cake its signature red hue. The flavor is usually described as a subtle chocolate, sweet, and slightly tangy combination.