The Purple Velvet Cake is a stunning and delicious dessert that adds a pop of color to any celebration. This cake offers a unique twist on the traditional red velvet cake, maintaining the same moist, tender crumb and rich flavor but with a beautiful purple hue. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or simply want to enjoy a delightful treat, this Purple Velvet Cake is sure to be a hit.
The Purple Velvet Cake is a delightful and eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb and rich cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can create a beautiful and delicious cake that will impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and add a burst of color to your dessert table. Happy baking!!
Let’s explore the recipe and the step-by-step method to make this vibrant cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons purple gel food coloring (adjust for desired color intensity)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Food Coloring:
- Add the purple gel food coloring to the wet mixture. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed until you achieve your desired shade of purple.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Add Vinegar:
- Stir in the white vinegar, mixing until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla and Cream:
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cakes:
- If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife to create even layers.
- Frost the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate:
- For an extra touch, decorate the cake with purple sprinkles, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the cake and serve it to your delighted guests. Enjoy the moist, flavorful cake with its vibrant purple color and creamy frosting.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
- Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring because it provides a more intense color without altering the consistency of the batter.
- Even Layers: To ensure even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally between the cake pans