Description
This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a vibrant and moist dessert featuring a unique purple hue achieved with purple food coloring. With a tender crumb and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful twist on classic velvet cakes, perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a flavorful and visually stunning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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
- 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 to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them and place on wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top.
- Frost Top and Sides: Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake to cover it completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for about an hour to allow the frosting to set firmly before serving.
- Serve: Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- If purple food coloring is unavailable, a natural alternative like ube powder can be used but may alter flavor.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered to keep it moist.
- Let the cake come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated for optimal taste.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
