Yes, people often use food coloring in white frosting when making red velvet cupcakes or wedding cakes to achieve the signature vibrant red color associated with red velvet desserts. Red velvet cake traditionally contains cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar, which react with the acidic ingredients and create a slightly reddish hue in the cake batter. However, the natural reddish color is usually not enough to produce the deep red shade that is characteristic of red velvet cakes.
To enhance the red color and make it more visually appealing, additional food coloring is commonly added to the cream cheese frosting or buttercream used to frost red velvet cakes. The food coloring allows bakers to control the intensity of the red shade, making it more vibrant and appealing to the eye.
Red velvet cake is known for its unique flavor and the striking contrast between the bright red cake and the creamy white frosting. The use of food coloring in the frosting is an important aspect of the cake's overall appearance and plays a significant role in creating its distinctive visual appeal. However, the use of food coloring is entirely optional, and some bakers may choose to leave it out or use natural alternatives like beet juice for a more subtle red hue.