Let me introduce you to the delightful Purple Velvet Cake Recipe, a showstopper dessert that brings a burst of vibrant color and irresistible flavor to any celebration. This cake combines the tender crumb of a classic velvet cake with a stunning purple hue that comes courtesy of gel food coloring, all wrapped up in a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re aiming to wow your guests or simply treat yourself, this Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is your new go-to for sweet indulgence that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the colorful appearance fool you—this cake is made with everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, tender texture and that signature rich flavor. Each component plays a vital part, from the tangy buttermilk that balances sweetness to the cocoa powder that adds depth, and of course, the purple gel food coloring that turns this cake magical.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a light yet sturdy cake crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender texture.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake its perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and richness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate undertone that enriches the cake’s flavor.
- Buttermilk: Brings moisture and a gentle tang that keeps every bite tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft for days.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Distilled white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Purple gel food coloring: The star ingredient that gives the cake its beautiful and vivid purple color without diluting the batter.
- Unsalted butter, softened: For the rich, creamy base of the frosting.
- Cream cheese, softened: Provides tanginess and creaminess that make the frosting addictive.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that silky smooth texture.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting to a perfectly spreadable consistency.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring that each layer bakes evenly and comes out smooth and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. This mix forms the dry base, ensuring your cake has the right texture and a hint of chocolate depth.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and flavor to your cake.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir gently to keep things light.
Step 5: Add Vinegar and Purple Coloring
Stir in the distilled white vinegar and purple gel food coloring, mixing until the batter transforms into a vibrant, inviting purple. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise and giving it a tender crumb, while the gel coloring brings the signature hue.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely—this step keeps the layers from breaking apart when frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for frosting your cake layers.
Step 8: Frost and Assemble
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, generously frost the first layer, then place the second on top. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a clean, beautiful finish.
How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of edible glitter or a few fresh edible flowers can add a whimsical touch to this Purple Velvet Cake Recipe. Alternatively, a drizzle of white chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios introduces extra texture and elegance.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement its rich cream cheese frosting. A cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee enhances the flavors beautifully when served alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, consider stacking mini versions of the cake as a tiered display or creating individual cake slices in clear dessert cups with layers of frosting and berries. This Purple Velvet Cake Recipe also shines when adorned with colorful sprinkles or decorative piping for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Purple Velvet Cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Properly stored, it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several servings.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since it’s a cake with cream cheese frosting, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer your slices slightly chilled or at room temperature, simply remove them from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to enjoy at the ideal softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for the Purple Velvet Cake Recipe?
While you can use liquid food coloring, gel food coloring is recommended as it provides a more vivid purple without thinning your batter, which helps maintain the cake’s perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free or vegan?
Replacing buttermilk with a plant-based milk plus vinegar, using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and substituting eggs with flax eggs can create a vegan version, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I get the frosting perfectly smooth?
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing and beat the frosting long enough to incorporate air, making it light and fluffy. Use a warm offset spatula to smooth out the frosting on the cake for a professional touch.
Can I bake this cake in other pan sizes?
Yes, but baking times will change depending on the pan size and depth. Keep an eye on the cake, and check doneness with a toothpick starting a few minutes before the recommended bake time.
What’s the best way to transport this cake for a party?
Use a sturdy cake carrier or box that allows enough height for your frosting without smudging, and keep the cake chilled until the last moment to prevent the frosting from melting during transport.
Final Thoughts
This Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is truly a gem that combines eye-catching appeal with delightful flavor and texture. I encourage you to give it a try—whether for a birthday, a special event, or simply to brighten your day with a slice, it’s a dessert that promises smiles and sweet moments. Trust me, once you make it, this will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to bake again and again!
Print
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Purple Velvet Cake is a striking twist on the classic velvet cake, featuring a vibrant purple hue achieved with gel food coloring. Moist and tender layers are made with buttermilk, cocoa powder, and a hint of vinegar for lift, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines visual appeal with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons purple gel food coloring
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Pans and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and whisk until everything is just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Add Vinegar and Coloring: Stir in the distilled white vinegar and purple gel food coloring. Mix until the batter reaches a vibrant and even purple color. You can adjust the amount of gel food coloring for desired intensity.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly, smoothing with a spatula for a clean finish.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Enjoy the beautiful color and delicious cream cheese flavor that makes this cake a standout dessert.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for the most vivid purple color without thinning the batter.
- You can add a touch of blue gel coloring to deepen the purple shade if desired.
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
- The cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before frosting the cake.
