How To Make Red Food Coloring From Pink

Last Updated on February 6, 2022

Food coloring is great for coloring frosting, batters, and other dessert items. You are able to make different shades by changing the amount of dye you add. Knowing how to make red food coloring from pink is a great hack to have if you are ever out of red.

The great thing about food coloring is you can combine colors to make different shades and colors. This is helpful if you only have a couple of colors of food coloring on hand. It allows you to decorate your baked goods with as many colors as you’d like.

Different Types of Food Coloring

When it comes to food coloring, there are several different kinds to choose from. The most common type of food coloring is traditional liquid food coloring. Also known as a liquid dye, it is commonly made with a synthetic dye added to a water base.

Traditional liquid food coloring often comes in small squeeze bottles. This allows you to add as much or as little food coloring you want. It is also one of the most affordable options.

Similar to liquid dye, liquid gel dye is made with synthetic coloring with a base of water, corn syrup, or glycerin. It is also sold in small drop bottles that allow for ease of use. However, the consistency is much thicker than traditional food coloring, so a little bit goes a long way.

Gel paste dye is a concentrated food coloring that is a popular choice among professional bakers. Like liquid gel dye, it’s made with synthetic coloring added to water, glycerin, or corn syrup base. It is sold in small pots or jars.

Those looking to steer clear of synthetic additives can opt for natural food colorings. They come in small drop bottles and are often made from fruits or vegetables like beets and carrots.

Powdered dyes are made with synthetic color and don’t contain any water, glycerin, or corn syrup. They are ideal for adding to foods like chocolate or macarons.

What You Will Need to Make Red Food Coloring from Pink

Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla frosting
• 1/4 teaspoon pink food coloring
• 5 drops black food coloring

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring spoons

U-Taste 18/8 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Set

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Add Frosting

Add your vanilla frosting to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Food Coloring

Measure out 1/4 teaspoon of pink food coloring and add it to your frosting. Add in five drops of black food coloring. Using a rubber spatula, thoroughly mix in the food coloring, making sure it is combined all the way through.

Step 3: Adjust as Needed

If your frosting is not to your desired color yet, add more food coloring. Add a couple of drops at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve the red color you want.

After making sure the food coloring is fully incorporated into your frosting, you can decorate your baked goods. You can also use this method for coloring batters (such as cakes) or melted white chocolate.

Also, learn How To Make Pink Frosting With Food Coloring and How To Make Dark Red Icing With Food Coloring

Tips and Tricks

When working with food coloring, it is always best to start with less and add more as you need. This will help you get the exact shade you are looking for.

If you don’t have black food coloring on hand, you can also use beetroot powder. Beetroot powder will prove a lovely red coloring when mixed with pink food coloring. It is all-natural and provides a nice, red coloring when you add in 1/2-1 teaspoons.

Food coloring can stain, so be sure to clean it off right away if it spills on any counters or clothing. It is a hassle getting stains out of clothes and countertops.

A Beautiful Red Food Coloring

If you are decorating a cake and are all out of red food coloring, there is no need to panic. You can combine pink food coloring with a few drops of black to create red. In addition, you can also combine beetroot powder with pink to achieve red.

Mixing your own food coloring allows you to get just the right shade you want. It is a simple and effective way to create beautiful colors in frostings, cakes, or white chocolate, in addition to any other desserts you wish to color. This gives you endless possibilities for decorating, no matter what the occasion is.

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