NO clue. I always thought it was a trend, a tradition, or something silly, and now I can't have any. If I find a gluten free version, I might make some, just to answer your question.

I think this is right up there with red-eye gravy. It's a standard. It's gravy with coffee in it. Gross.

I googled "what's the deal with red velvet cake"

And got these results:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623878

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_velvet_cake

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...1184135AAm4Qr0

http://mentalfloss.com/article/48990...e-got-its-name