Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake is a stunning twist on the classic red velvet, offering the same soft, moist texture but with a bold purple hue that makes it perfect for special occasions. Its rich flavor and smooth cream cheese frosting make it a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Visually Striking: The vibrant purple color is a unique and fun way to wow guests at gatherings or celebrations.

Deliciously Moist: The combination of buttermilk, oil, and vinegar ensures a tender and fluffy crumb.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with a touch of creativity for the color.

Creamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.

Customizable Decoration: It’s easy to dress up with sprinkles, edible flowers, or creative piping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 ½ cups vegetable oil

2 tablespoons purple food coloring (gel or liquid)

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the cream cheese frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring until smooth.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.

Stir in the vinegar, mixing gently until incorporated.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the cream cheese frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter in a bowl until creamy and smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy and light.

Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

To assemble:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with frosting.

Decorate as desired with sprinkles, edible flowers, or additional frosting.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-14 slices

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Cooling Time: 1 hour

Variations

Dye Alternatives: Use natural food coloring or a mix of red and blue for a custom purple shade.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle twist.

Cupcakes: Make individual servings by dividing the batter into a lined cupcake tin. Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Layer Customization: Create three thinner layers for a more dramatic presentation and extra frosting opportunities.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Related Recipes:

• The BEST Red Velvet Cake
• Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
• Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

FAQs

What makes Purple Velvet Cake different from Red Velvet?

Purple Velvet Cake uses purple food coloring instead of red but retains the same moist, slightly tangy flavor and soft texture.

Can I use natural food coloring for this cake?

Yes, you can use natural food dyes like beet or blueberry powder, though the color may be less vibrant.

Why is vinegar used in the batter?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda to create a fluffy and tender crumb while enhancing the buttermilk’s tanginess.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Grease the pans thoroughly and dust them with flour, or use parchment paper for an easy release.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.

Conclusion

Purple Velvet Cake is a creative and delightful dessert perfect for any celebration or to add a pop of color to your table. Its moist layers and luscious cream cheese frosting will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy!