If you are ready to embrace a visually stunning and irresistibly moist dessert, this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a rich, vibrant purple cake layered with luscious cream cheese frosting that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience that captivates all the senses with its deep color and smooth texture. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful treat, this cake promises wow-factor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple collection of ingredients. Each item plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that eye-catching purple hue.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives your cake structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to make the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder: Just a hint adds depth to the flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the cake’s texture.
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender far beyond baking.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and helps tenderize the cake crumb.
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) purple food coloring: The star of the show, delivering that stunning velvet purple color.
- 1 teaspoon vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda for a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, aromatic note that complements every bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Key for creamy frosting that’s rich but not too heavy.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret to that tangy, luscious cream cheese frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while ensuring it’s silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting’s flavor with a warm, comforting touch.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to ensure your cakes come out with perfect edges and no sticking. This step sets the stage for flawless layers.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This dry mix blends flavors evenly and prepares the base for a perfectly consistent batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. This colorful, flavorful mixture activates the leavening agents and contributes to that luscious, purple velvet crumb.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, so keep it light and smooth.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — trust that simple trick.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before carefully turning them out onto wire racks. Cooling completely is crucial for frosting to spread perfectly without melting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth, rich, and perfectly fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Stack the second layer carefully, then cover the entire cake with frosting on the top and sides. For best results, chill for an hour before serving to let the frosting set beautifully.
How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
The Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe looks gorgeous all on its own, but you can add fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for color and texture contrast. These garnishes elevate its elegance, making it perfect for celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair this decadent cake with light, refreshing sides like a fresh citrus salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These balance the cake’s richness and brighten the overall dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual cake slices with a drizzle of berry coulis or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even layer cake trifle cups using the cake and frosting for a playful, portable dessert option that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days — perfect for savoring a slice whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cake layers (unfrosted) by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost layers in the fridge before frosting and assembling for fresh enjoyment.
Reheating
Since this cake tastes best chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Just let slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavors and softness.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of purple artificial coloring?
Absolutely! You can use natural alternatives like purple sweet potato powder or blueberry juice, though color intensity may vary. These natural options add wholesome flavor and maintain that beautiful violet tone.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but some texture differences may occur.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade buttermilk substitute keeps the cake moist and tender.
How long does the cream cheese frosting last?
The cream cheese frosting is best consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Make sure it stays chilled to prevent spoilage and maintain its creamy texture.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes! Substitute dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives such as vegan margarine and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture and flavor might shift slightly but remain delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes baking it worthwhile every single time. The vibrant color, the tender crumb, and that tangy, creamy frosting create a perfect harmony you’ll want to share again and again. Trust me, your loved ones will be amazed — and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want to bring a little joy into the kitchen.
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Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a vibrant twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring a striking purple hue and a rich, creamy frosting. Soft, moist layers of cake are perfectly balanced by a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, making it an eye-catching and delicious dessert suitable for any celebration or gathering.
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and flavoring agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Divide Batter: Evenly pour the batter into the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, forming the base of the frosting.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the entire cake, creating a smooth finish.
- Chill Cake: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set firmly before slicing and serving.
- Serve: Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- If purple food coloring is unavailable, try mixing red and blue food coloring to achieve a purple shade.
- Use cream cheese frosting within a day or two for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and frosting consistency.
