Red velvet cake contains flour, sugar, cocoa powder, buttermilk, butter, eggs, vinegar, baking soda, and red food coloring, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The unique reddish hue originally resulted from a natural chemical reaction between raw cocoa and acidic buttermilk during baking. Modern recipes typically incorporate liquid or gel red food coloring to guarantee a vibrant color. The delicious dessert combines a subtle cocoa flavor with a tangy frosting.