My Grandma's Red Velvet Cake recipe (from scratch) was handed down to me 45 years ago and has been a delicious family favorite ever since!
Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour two 9" round cake pans or one 13"x9" baking pan on bottom and sides.
Using electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together granulated sugar and vegetable shortening until well combined. Add red food coloring and eggs. Continue mixing until batter is deep red in color and creamy in texture.
In separate bowl, SIFT together flour, salt and cocoa powder. Add this mixture to the batter; beat on low speed until fully incorporated. Mix buttermilk and baking soda together in a separate bowl; fold them into batter. Add vanilla and vinegar; stir until combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan(s). If using two round cake pans, evenly divide batter between them. Bake at 350°F. (on middle rack) for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into top of the cake comes out clean. Transfer pan(s) to a wire rack to cool.
Mix milk, cornstarch and salt in medium saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring often until mixture thickens. Remove pan from heat; set aside to cool. In a separate bowl, (or stand mixer bowl) place shortening, butter, granulated sugar, and 2/3 cup of powdered sugar. Beat really well for 15 minutes (yes... 15 minutes!). When done, sugar will have dissolved and no longer be "grainy"; frosting should be light/fluffy in texture. Add vanilla extract and cooled, thickened milk mixture. Beat well, then add remaining cup of powdered sugar, and mix well, until combined.
If using a 13x9" baking pan, frost the cake (still in the pan), once it has cooled completely. If using two round cake pans, remove them from the pans (by inverting pan upside down), once they have cooled completely. Place one layer onto a serving plate, and frost the top. Lay the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Continue to frost the cake on the top and and side. Once cake is completely frosted, decorate it any way you want. Slice and enjoy!
Grandma's Red Velvet Cake https://www.thegratefulgirlcooks.com/grandmas-red-velvet-cake/