AmericanBakingDessertsVegetarian
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
Purple Velvet Cake is a fun twist on the classic red velvet, offering a vibrant purple hue and the same soft, velvety texture. This cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any celebration where you want a pop of color. It has the signature tangy flavor of traditional velvet cakes, thanks to buttermilk and a touch of vinegar, and it’s topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for the perfect finish.
Not only is this cake beautiful, but it’s also easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends with its unique color and delicious flavor.
Key Ingredients & Their Role
- Purple Food Coloring: Creates the signature purple color of the cake.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the cake’s soft texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides a mild chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The perfect creamy, tangy topping that complements the cake’s rich flavor.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake for an Eye-Catching Dessert
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients – Building the Cake’s Structure
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar – Creating a Fluffy Texture
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients – Achieving Velvet Texture
- Mix in 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. Add the purple food coloring (start with a few drops and adjust to reach the desired shade).
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Bake the Cakes – Bringing It All Together
- Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting – The Finishing Touch
- In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
7. Assemble and Frost the Cake
- Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with a spatula.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Purple Velvet Cake is beautiful on its own but can be served with a side of fresh berries or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elegant touch, consider decorating the cake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of purple sugar.
Tips for the Perfect Purple Velvet Cake
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors are more concentrated and won’t alter the batter consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and tender.
- Chill the Frosting: Let the frosting sit in the fridge for 10 minutes before applying for easier spreading.
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
This Purple Velvet Cake is a unique twist on classic red velvet, featuring a beautiful purple hue and a soft, tender crumb. With a mild cocoa flavor and creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- For the Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Purple food coloring
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and purple food coloring.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients, mix gently. Divide batter between two greased pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble Cake: Frost between layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
Add a little extra purple food coloring to the frosting if desired for a complete purple theme.
