Red Velvet Cake

Name: Red Velvet Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter at room temperature at least 65°F; 1 1/3 cups (266g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs at room temperature; 2 tablespoons (28g) liquid red food color; 3 tablespoons (14g) Dutch-process cocoa; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cider vinegar or white vinegar; 2 1/4 cups (270g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup (227g) buttermilk or low-fat plain (not Greek) yogurt at room temperature; 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter softened*; 1/2 cup (92g) vegetable shortening*; scant 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons (14g) meringue powder optional for a smoother icing that holds its shape a bit better; 6 cups (681g) confectioners' sugar; 3 tablespoons (43g) milk or enough to make a spreadable frosting; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract