American Beauty Recipe

Name: American Beauty
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ounces food coloring red; 3 tablespoons cocoa powder instant; 1/2 cup vegetable shortening crisco; 1 1/2 cups sugar granulated; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 1/4 cups cake flour sifted 3 times; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon vinegar white; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 pound butter, unsalted; 7 tablespoons vegetable shortening crisco; 1 cup sugar granulated; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons cake flour; ⅔ cup buttermilk room temperature

Servings: persons

2 ounces food coloring red
3 tablespoons cocoa powder instant
1/2 cup vegetable shortening crisco
1 1/2 cups sugar granulated
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/4 cups cake flour sifted 3 times
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon vinegar white
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 pound butter, unsalted
7 tablespoons vegetable shortening crisco
1 cup sugar granulated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cake flour
⅔ cup buttermilk room temperature

1
Mix together the red food coloring and instant cocoa; set aside.
2
Cream together the 1/2 cup of shortening, 1 1/2 cup sugar and eggs.
3
Add colored paste and mix well.
4
Add 1 cup buttermilk, 2 1/4 cup cake flour and salt.
5
Mix well, add 1 teaspoon vanilla, vinegar and baking soda.
6
Mix well again.
7
Bake in 350F (180C) oven 30 to 35 minutes.
8
For the icing, cream together butter, remaining shortening and vanilla.
9
Mix very well with electric beater; add remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time while mixing.
10
Add remaining buttermilk and mix well.

1755

kcal

Calories

107

Fat

193

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 ounces food coloring red, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder instant, 1/2 cup vegetable shortening crisco, 1 1/2 cups sugar granulated, and more.

Yes, American Beauty falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

American Beauty

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions