Description
Indulgent purple velvet cake brings royal elegance to classic dessert traditions, blending rich cocoa and stunning violet hues. Smooth cream cheese frosting and delicate lavender undertones create a sensational celebration of color and flavor you’ll absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk
Binding and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
Flavoring and Finishing:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing, flouring, or lining with parchment paper.
- Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder) together in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the liquid ingredients (oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, purple food coloring, vinegar) in a separate bowl until thoroughly integrated.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth batter consistency.
- Distribute the batter equally between the prepared pans, carefully leveling the surfaces with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
- Rest the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare frosting by blending cream cheese and butter until silky, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Adjust frosting texture with heavy cream if needed, aiming for a light, spreadable consistency.
- Once cakes are entirely cooled, apply a frosting layer between cake layers, then cover the entire exterior with remaining frosting, ensuring even distribution.
Notes
- Choose high-quality purple food coloring for a vibrant, deep purple hue that makes the cake visually stunning.
- Test the cake’s doneness by gently pressing the center; it should spring back and not leave an indentation.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more uniform cake texture.
- Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand for the same tangy flavor and tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 52.5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 28.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 66.2 g
- Fiber: 1.0 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg