Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. This enchanting cake not only looks stunning with its vibrant purple hue, but it also tastes fantastic. The rich flavors and creamy frosting make it a perfect choice for celebrations or just a sweet treat at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Purple Velvet Cake is a wonderful way to impress your friends and family. The unique color makes it a standout dessert for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering. Plus, the combination of soft, moist cake with sweet cream cheese frosting is irresistible. It’s a fun baking adventure that yields delicious results!

How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

2 C all-purpose flour
1 1/2 C sugar
1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 C vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 TBSP white vinegar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 C buttermilk
Purple food coloring (gel or liquid)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
4 C powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until smooth.
Add purple food coloring until the desired shade is reached, mixing until evenly incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake

Serve Purple Velvet Cake at room temperature. You can add extra frosting on the top or sprinkle some chocolate shavings for extra flair. It’s perfect for a dessert table at a party or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store Purple Velvet Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to cover the cake well to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Purple Velvet Cake

Use gel food coloring for a richer purple color.
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter; just mix until combined for a light texture.
For added flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the frosting.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different flavors of frosting, like chocolate or vanilla. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter for added texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them well and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.