Description
Delectable purple velvet cake brings royal elegance to classic Southern baking with its mesmerizing deep violet hue. Rich buttermilk and cocoa create a smooth, luxurious dessert perfect for celebrations where you’ll savor each velvety, indulgent slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
Coloring Ingredient:
- 1 teaspoon purple gel food coloring (adjust for desired shade)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with a light coating of grease and flour or parchment paper.
- Create a dry ingredient foundation by sifting flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium mixing vessel, then set aside.
- Develop a creamy base by whipping butter, oil, and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and aerated, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate liquid elements by gently beating eggs into the creamy mixture, one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract and vinegar until fully integrated.
- Merge dry and wet components gradually by alternating between the flour mixture and buttermilk, ensuring thorough but gentle mixing to maintain a smooth batter consistency.
- Transform the batter’s appearance by introducing purple gel food coloring, adjusting the quantity to achieve the desired vibrant purple tone.
- Distribute the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Craft a luxurious frosting by blending cream cheese and butter until silky, then gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting consistency with heavy cream if needed.
- Construct the cake by layering the first cake round on a serving plate, spreading a generous frosting layer, then positioning the second cake layer on top.
- Embellish the exterior with a smooth frosting coating, optionally decorating with additional piped designs, edible glitter, or purple sprinkles.
- Serve immediately and store any remaining cake in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Enhance the cake’s moisture by adding a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra richness and softness.
- Experiment with natural purple coloring options like beetroot powder or butterfly pea flower extract for a healthier alternative to artificial food coloring.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture.
- Prevent color bleeding by chilling the cake layers completely before frosting and using gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more vibrant, precise purple hue.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg