Description
This vibrant Purple Velvet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, featuring a rich purple hue and moist, tender crumb. Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration needing a pop of color. Using gel food coloring ensures an intense purple without affecting the cake’s texture.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Purple gel food coloring (½–1 teaspoon or to desired color intensity)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until thoroughly combined. Gradually add purple gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve a rich and vibrant purple color.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently mixing until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes spring back to touch.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and place on wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Garnish with purple sprinkles, edible glitter, or piped rosettes as desired for a stunning finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set frosting.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to achieve the most vibrant purple hue without thinning or altering the batter’s consistency.
- This cake is perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or themed parties requiring a unique color palette.
- For cleaner cake slices, refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
