Red velvet cake is a cocoa-based cake that has a smooth, tightly crumbed texture with a subtle, tangy flavor. It contains a mixture of vanilla and a dash of cocoa, along with more vinegary tartness than a typical cake. The flavor is a mix of cocoa and vanilla, offering a taste that stands between vanilla and chocolate, with a mild cocoa flavor that is not as chocolatey as traditional chocolate cake
. Some describe its flavor as not very sweet, almost sourish, and not very chocolatey, akin to a "sourdough of cakes"
. The iconic red color of red velvet cake is typically achieved using red food dye, although natural dyes such as beets can also be used
