Description
This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a vibrant twist on the classic red velvet, offering a moist, tender crumb with a colorful purple hue. The cake is layered and frosted with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting that balances the subtle chocolate flavor and slight tanginess from buttermilk and vinegar, making it perfect for celebrations or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) purple food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar along with the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Assemble Cake: Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake, including the top and sides, with the remaining frosting for a smooth finish.
- Chill to Set: Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set properly for neat slicing.
- Serve: Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature according to your preference for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and dairy ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Use a high-quality purple food coloring or natural alternatives for vibrant color.
- Do not overmix cake batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- The cake tastes best when slightly chilled but can also be served at room temperature.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
