Let’s Talk Red Velvet

For a dessert that’s so sweet, there’s certainly a lot of controversy over the color and rise in popularity of red velvet cake. Some people believe the red color is caused by a chemical reaction between the cocoa and acid, while others say it was due to brown sugar, which was originally named red sugar. Then there’s somewhat of a debate over the invention of red velvet cake.  

An urban legend claims that red velvet cake got its start at a famed New York City hotel. Allegedly, after a customer asked for and was given the recipe, she was later sent a bill for $350. This apparently outraged the customer so much that she then distributed the recipe to anyone and everyone who would take it. While that’s a great story, red velvet actually seems to be a product from the Great Depression that was made famous thanks to a marketing ploy from a food coloring company. 

When foods were rationed in the United States during World War II, bakers got creative and used boiled beetroot juices to enhance the color. Families that were struggling financially during the Great Depression began to use less food colorings and extracts, as well. This prompted the food coloring company to come up with a red velvet cake recipe that used food coloring and butter extract instead of the typical ingredients. Red velvet cake then went on to become a huge hit, especially since free recipe cards were available at grocery stores everywhere.  

Today, red velvet is still loved by many. That’s why we’re going to feature two gluten free red velvet protein bites recipes that will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Beetroot is also incorporated into both of these recipes (instead of food coloring). So, we’ll be going back to the way that red velvet was originally made by bakers during the early 1930s, as well.  

Beets are the star ingredient in this healthy and delicious Red Velvet Protein Bites recipe courtesy of Bites of Wellness. These red velvet bites are gluten free, vegan, high protein, and have no added sugars or artificial colors. This recipe requires two hours of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.  

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup cooked beets (You can buy already cooked beets at the grocery store or peel and cook them yourself.)  
• ½ cup of applesauce 
• 2 tbsp. chia seeds 
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar 
• ¼ cup dairy free milk (coconut milk) 

• 3 servings of Decadent Chocolate Organic Protein Powder 
• 3 tbsp. cacao or cocoa powder  
• 2 tbsp. coconut flour 
• 2 tbsp. coconut butter  
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract  

Instructions:  

• Peel and cook the beets and allow them to cool (or purchase already cooked beets at your local grocery store).  
• Add the beets, chia seeds, and apple sauce to a food processor and blend until the beets have pureed.  

• Add the apple cider vinegar and dairy free milk. Process until blended.  
• Add Decadent Chocolate Organic Protein Powder, cacao powder, coconut flour, and vanilla. Process until smooth.  
• Add melted coconut butter and blend until well incorporated.  
• Refrigerate for 2 hours.  
• Remove from the refrigerator and scoop out the mixture using a 1 tbsp. measuring spoon. Roll until you form smooth balls.  

• Cover with a drizzle of optional coconut butter.  

These No Bake Chocolate Fudge Red Velvet Cake Bites courtesy of Cotter Crunch are a perfect dessert. Made with natural superfood ingredients, they’re vegan friendly, healthy, and will satisfy your cravings. This recipe will yield 28 bites and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes total with 15 minutes of prep time and one hour of cook time. One serving is 62 calories.  

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup French Vanilla Organic Protein Powder  
• ¼ cup cocoa powder  

• ¼ cup coconut flour (finely ground or light in texture)  
• 2 oz. semisweet or dark chocolate vegan/dairy free baking chocolate 
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 
• ½ cup smooth almond or sunflower seed butter 
• ½ cup honey or agave syrup 

• 1-2 tbsp. Healthy Beets+ Superfood Powder 

Instructions:  

• First, grind up your baking chocolate into shavings.  

• Next, in a large bowl, add in all of your dry ingredients. Mix them all together.  
• Add almond butter and honey and mix with a spoon. Then add vanilla. Add 1 tbsp. Healthy Beets+ Superfood Powder here if you want it red inside.  
• Mix again and then use your hands to finish. (It’s easier to use your hands to mix after a certain point.) 
• Roll dough into bite size balls. Place in the freezer after.  
• After the red velvet bites are frozen, roll in 1-2 tbsp. of additional cocoa powder and Healthy Beets+ Superfood Powder. 

• Freeze or keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.  

*The links used in this article are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Iovate Health Sciences International Inc. or any of its affiliates (“Iovate”) of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Iovate bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.