Canada's insider blog

Can’t help but notice that old 1950s standby, Red Velvet Cake, turning up on menus across the country. The blowsy red-and-white layer cake—with its chocolate base that turns mahogany-red with a hit of acidic buttermilk and a dose of food colouring—is certainly a show stopper.

The New York Times called Red Velvet “the Dolly Parton of Cakes, a little bit tacky, but you love her.” And while the origins are a mystery, some say the first Red Velvet Cake was baked at Eaton’s in Toronto, ON. Until recently I enjoyed a great version at Calgary, AB’s Nectar desserts, but sadly both Eaton’s and Nectar are out of business.

But you can get a great Red Velvet Cake (or cupcake) at Calgary’s Bliss & Co Cupcakes and Desserts; Red Velvet cupcakes at Butter Baked Goods in Vancouver, BC; and For the Love of Cake in Toronto. Of course, a Red Velvet fix is only as far away as your local Starbucks. Or find chef Lynn Crawford’s take on this Canadian cake (recipe here) on Food Network Canada and bake your own.