If you want a cake to be red dye it red.
Start with butter and sugar, I love butter and sugar. Mix'm, mix'm good.
1 stick-o-butter
1.5 cups sugar
2 whole eggs (remove hard exterior)
1 cup buttermilk
Pre-heat oven to 350º
Now dye it red with an ounce or two of color.
I like to use beat juice but food coloring will work best.
Mix in the chocolate!
1 tablespoon of instant chocolate
1 tablespoon of cocoa
1 tablespoon of shredded 75% or better pure cocoa (optional)
OH, can't forget the vanilla, an overflowing teaspoon
Keep mixing the red mixture, adding a little love as you go (secret ingredient).
Sprinkle with water, salt, a teaspoon of baking soda, and 2.5 cups of (sifted if you can) flour.
Mix. Done yet? Is it smooth? Grease and flour 2 or 3 8 inch layer cake pans.
Pour your smooth, red mixture into said pans. Bake for 30 or so min.
Frosting is the most fun. Start with a stick of butter and some vanilla (teaspoon or more). Blend in half cup of cream cheese and start to sprinkle a pound of powdered sugar blending as you go. For more frosting double the ingredients. After you frost the cake you can put on some crushed nuts if you want.
You'll have to call me if you need more details.