Purple Velvet Cake: A Unique, Elegant, and Flavorful Dessert
Discover the rich, moist, and visually stunning purple velvet cake with this complete guide, featuring a step-by-step recipe, frosting options, and expert baking tips!
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons purple gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 pound cream cheese softened
- 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Notes
Moisture Boost – Replace half the oil with applesauce for a softer cake.
Richer Color – Add a touch of blue to the purple food coloring.
Smooth Frosting – Use room temp cream cheese & butter to avoid lumps.