Hello, cake enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks, this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. With its vibrant color and rich, velvety texture, this cake is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet. Let’s dive into this stunning recipe and impress everyone at your next celebration!
Introduction
Purple Velvet Cake brings a unique and elegant flair to the beloved red velvet tradition. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is bound to be the centerpiece of any table. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious layer of tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cake’s moist and tender crumb. Plus, the vibrant purple color makes it unforgettable. If you’re ready to wow your family and friends, this recipe has everything you need to succeed!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this magical Purple Velvet Cake and its heavenly cream cheese frosting.
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon purple food coloring (or enough to achieve the desired color)
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Feel free to adjust the purple food coloring to your desired shade—darker for a more dramatic effect or lighter for a pastel elegance.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Follow these simple steps to create your stunning Purple Velvet Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This step removes lumps and evenly distributes the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, gently beat together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract with a handheld electric mixer. Add the purple food coloring gradually until you achieve the desired hue.
Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and thoroughly combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and let them cool completely before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining frosting. Smooth the frosting with a spatula for a clean finish or create decorative swirls for texture.
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the buttermilk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for the best texture in both the cake and frosting.
- Achieving the Perfect Purple: Mix red and blue food coloring if purple food coloring is unavailable. Adjust the ratio to achieve your desired shade.
- Even Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to trim the tops of the cakes for perfectly flat layers.
Cooking Tips
Here are additional tips to perfect your Purple Velvet Cake:
- Prevent Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Color Check: If you’re unsure about the purple color, test a small amount of batter in a separate bowl before committing.
- Refrigerate Before Slicing: For clean, neat slices, chill the frosted cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Purple Velvet Cake with a drizzle of berry compote or a handful of fresh blueberries for an extra touch of elegance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully with this cake’s rich cream cheese frosting.
This cake is ideal for birthdays, weddings, or any festive occasion. Its vibrant color and luscious flavor make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content for this Purple Velvet Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 42g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 8%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting ensures the cake stays moist and flavorful.
Freeze: To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Creative Uses for Leftovers: Transform leftover cake into cake pops or crumble it over vanilla yogurt for a quick and delicious dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes! Beet juice or purple sweet potato powder can be used as natural alternatives to food coloring.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, try these delicious options:
- Classic Red Velvet Cake
- Blueberry Lemon Layer Cake
- Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
- Chocolate Raspberry Torte
Conclusion
This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and unique dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for celebrations or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake is a true show-stopper. Try it out and let us know how it turns out—happy baking!