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
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 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.
