Purple Velvet Cake
A whimsical twist on the classic red velvet cake, offering a vibrant treat with a tender crumb and rich cream cheese frosting.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides a rich, tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Balances sweetness with the frosting's tang.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Works with buttermilk for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides creaminess.
- 1 cup buttermilk Adds moisture and tang.
- 3 large eggs For structure and richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Infuses the cake with sweetness.
- purple gel food coloring For color, add until desired shade is reached.
For the Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened Gives frosting a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Combines with cream cheese for richness.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and gives structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Essential for flavoring.
For Decoration
- optional edible flowers or purple sprinkles For a stunning finishing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mixing Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add purple gel food coloring a few drops at a time until the desired shade is reached.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Frost and stack the cooled cakes, spreading frosting between layers and covering the outer surface.
- Optional: Decorate with edible flowers or purple sprinkles.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Adjust frosting sweetness by gradually adding powdered sugar. For a refreshing twist, consider adding fresh berries between layers.