Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the cake, allowing it to rise evenly and develop a soft, tender crumb. Preparing the oven beforehand ensures the proper baking environment for the cake.
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Greasing the pans with shortening or butter and then lightly dusting them with flour will help the cakes release easily once they’re baked. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for an added layer of protection, ensuring smooth removal of the cakes after baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco (or vegetable shortening), sugar, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugar helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the cake tender and light.
- Make the Food Coloring Paste: In a small bowl, mix together the royal blue gel paste food color and the violet gel paste food color with the cocoa powder to form a smooth paste. This combination of food coloring gives the cake its striking blue hue with a slight hint of purple. The cocoa powder not only enhances the color but also adds a subtle depth of flavor. Add this paste to the creamed mixture and stir until it is fully incorporated, ensuring the batter has an even, vibrant color.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
