Red velvet: red color does not mean strong chocolate flavor

Useful to know

Red velvet is a reddish cake with a moderate cocoa flavour. King Arthur’s recipe includes cocoa, buttermilk or yogurt, and food colouring, with buttercream suggested for finishing. [1]

Other versions use different frostings, so there is no single universal coating. Separate colour from cocoa quantity when comparing recipes. A redder result does not prove a stronger chocolate flavour. Do not arbitrarily alter the liquid or leavening for colour alone, since both also contribute to structure.