Cocoa Powder Quantity: Red velvet cake recipes typically call for 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, while a typical chocolate ...

What is red velvet cake? Red velvet cake got its name in the 1800s, when bakers added cocoa powder to cakes to make them taste and feel luxurious — the cocoa provided a velvety texture.

If you’ve ever wondered why you enjoy red velvet cake but dislike chocolate cake, or vice versa, it’s not just you—there’s a reason. Despite what many think, the two are very different cakes.

Cocoa Powder Quantity: Red velvet cake recipes typically call for 2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, while a typical chocolate cake will call for ¾ to 1 cup of cocoa powder.