Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, look no further than this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake dazzles with its unique purple hue and tender crumb, perfectly complemented by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a treat that turns any occasion into a celebration, blending classic velvet cake charm with a whimsical twist. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite, bringing color and joy to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with the Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s providing structure, moisture, or that signature purple color that makes this cake unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake’s tender yet sturdy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a delicate crumb.
• Baking soda: A leavening agent that ensures your cake rises perfectly.
• Cocoa powder: Adds depth and a subtle chocolate undertone essential to classic velvet cakes.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake irresistibly moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and reacts with baking soda for a light texture.
• Purple food coloring: The star ingredient that gives this velvet cake its signature striking color.
• Vinegar: Helps intensify color and tenderize the crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic note that complements the cake perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Key for a creamy, rich frosting base.
• Cream cheese (softened): Brings tang and smoothness to the frosting that balances the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting to the ideal consistency.

How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your cakes evenly once the batter is made. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure your cakes come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This step is crucial since it evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa powder, giving you a smooth, consistent batter later on.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The buttermilk and vinegar will react, adding lightness, while the food coloring starts bringing that vibrant purple magic.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a denser cake, so stop as soon as the batter is smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Divide Batter and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans and spread it smoothly. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling perfectly baked layers.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. This step prevents soggy bottoms and sets you up for smooth frosting application.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using softened butter and cream cheese, beat together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until fluffy. This frosting’s creaminess is what makes this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and coat the top and sides evenly. Take your time here—smooth layers of frosting make all the difference.

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

Pop the cake into the fridge for about an hour to let the frosting set perfectly. Serving it chilled or at room temperature ensures the best texture and flavor experience.

How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To dress up your Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, consider fresh berries like blueberries or blackberries that complement the purple tones beautifully. Edible flowers or a dusting of shredded coconut also add a whimsical touch to your presentation while enhancing flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. If you want to keep the celebration light, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can be a delightful side that doesn’t overpower the cake’s unique flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable look, serve the cake on a vibrant cake stand that contrasts with the purple hues. You can also slice the cake into smaller squares for a dessert buffet or stack mini cupcakes made from the same batter for a playful twist on this classic recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps your cake moist and prevents the cream cheese frosting from drying out, letting you enjoy it fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze either un-iced cake layers or the fully assembled cake. For layers, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. For a frosted cake, place it in a cake carrier or tightly cover with plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor. Serving it cold or slightly warmed (left at room temperature for 30 minutes) allows the frosting to soften perfectly while keeping the cake moist.

FAQs

Can I substitute the purple food coloring?

Absolutely! While the purple food coloring gives this cake its iconic look, you can experiment with natural dyes like blueberry or grape juice, though colors may be less vibrant.

Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk adds tang and tender crumb by reacting with baking soda, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best method is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Can this cake be made into cupcakes?

Yes! Simply fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter and bake for 18-22 minutes at 350°F. Adjust baking time and keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Why is cream cheese frosting used for this cake?

Cream cheese frosting offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that cut through the cake’s richness and complements the cocoa undertone wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Making this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a joyful experience that rewards you with stunning results every time. Its unique color, moist texture, and creamy frosting make it perfect for celebrations or a special treat any day. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll soon see why this cake deserves a special spot on your dessert table and in your heart.

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