Achieving the perfect shade of red buttercream can be tricky, especially when using natural food colorings. Unlike artificial dyes, natural colors tend to develop over time and can be affected by the ingredients in your buttercream. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create different shades of red using Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring, along with tips for getting vibrant and rich colors without compromising the texture or taste of your buttercream.

Why Use Natural Red Food Coloring?

Natural food coloring is a great alternative to synthetic dyes, as it is derived from plant-based sources. Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring is free from artificial additives and is a great option for bakers looking to create stunning shades of red in a more natural way without the use of Red 3 or Red 40.

However, natural food colors can be less intense than artificial ones, meaning you may need to use more color or allow time for the shade to deepen. Also, not all buttercream recipes will yield the same result with natural food colors as natural dyes are more sensitive to PH. We really like the American Buttercream below as a base to work with Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring

Our favorite American Buttercream Recipe

Makes approximately 6 cups

Ingredients:
3 cups (6 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature)
5 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp clear vanilla
2 tbsp hot water, milk, cream
1 tsp lemon juice

Preparation:
1.    Using a Whisk attachment, whip your room-temperature butter for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bright white and fluffy. Make sure your butter turns white before proceeding to the next steps or else you will get a strong taste of butter.
2.    Start to slowly add about a cup of powdered sugar at a time while your mixer is on low. Stop mixing as soon as all the powdered sugar is in the bowl.
3.    Add in your vanilla, lemon juice and salt.
4.    Turn your mixer on speed 4 for approx. 2 minutes and then turn it up to speed 6 until smooth and fluffy for another minute or so. The time it takes may be shorter or longer depending on the humidity, butter temperature, and the strength of your mixer.
5.    While it whips, slowly drizzle in your hot water or liquid of choice until you reach your desired consistency. The more you add, the thinner and less stable it will be for detailed piping. Adding in a hot liquid of your choice helps melt some of the powdered sugar, in which removes some of the grainy texture American Buttercream gives. 
6.    If your buttercream splits at all, or you are going to coat a cake, melt 1/3 to 1/2 of your buttercream in the microwave or double broiler and add it back into your solid buttercream while your mixer is on low.
7.    To remove any air bubbles and to create a smooth, silky buttercream, switch to a paddle attachment and let the mixer run on the stir or low setting for 15-20 minutes.

Making Red Shades of Buttercream

For each color, start with the ratios below then add more starting with Red to reach your shade. Let sit for at least 12-24 hours to enhance the color before using.

Natural Merlot Red

A less vibrant shade with undertones of purple. 
•    2 parts Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Purple Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Orange Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Pink Food Coloring

Natural Super Red

Vibrant, Rich Deep Red with both warm and cool undertones.
•    3 parts Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Brown Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Orange Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Pink Food Coloring

Natural Brick Red

Deep rustic red with brown undertones.
•    4 parts Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring
•    2 parts Chefmaster Natural Brown Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Orange Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Pink Food Coloring

Natural Red Red

A vibrant, classic red without any deep undertones.
•    3 parts Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Pink Food Coloring
•    1 part Chefmaster Natural Orange Food Coloring

Tips for a Perfect Red Buttercream

✔ Let the Color Develop: Natural food colors deepen over time, so always make your buttercream a few days or even weeks in advance, then freeze until the day before you need it.
✔ Start with a White Base: If possible, use a white buttercream base to prevent unwanted undertones.
✔ Use Cocoa Powder for Depth: A tiny amount of cocoa powder can create a more intense red.
✔ Add Color in Stages: Gradually build up the red instead of adding too much at once.
✔ Check out our video tutorial on how to make Red shades of buttercream using Chefmaster Natural Food Colorings.

Final Thoughts

Using Chefmaster Natural Red Food Coloring can give you beautiful, naturally tinted buttercream without artificial dyes. By experimenting with different amounts and techniques, you can achieve anything from soft pinkish-reds to deep, dramatic crimsons.