Name: Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 tbsp red food coloring; 1 tsp white distilled vinegar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp (or more) purple food coloring; 1 pound cream cheese, softened; 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Purple Velvet Cake brings together the rich, velvety texture of a classic red velvet cake, with a twist of purple food coloring for a fun and eye-catching look. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy finish that balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully. With its soft crumb and vibrant color, this cake is as delicious as it is striking.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp white distilled vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp (or more) purple food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, and continue beating until fluffy and well combined.
Assemble Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add more color: Feel free to adjust the amount of purple food coloring to get your desired shade of purple.
Use a different frosting: If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can opt for whipped cream cheese or even a classic buttercream frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting may become slightly firmer when chilled, but the cake will remain moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Make sure to check the texture and consistency of the batter, as gluten-free flours can sometimes require adjustments.

Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Yes, you can use any food coloring you prefer, but be sure to choose one that’s appropriate for cake baking to get the vibrant purple color.

How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze individual slices if you prefer to enjoy them later.

Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can opt for buttercream frosting, whipped cream frosting, or even chocolate ganache as an alternative.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter sticking to it.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes, you can make cupcakes by dividing the batter into a muffin tin. Bake at the same temperature, but reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake either before or after frosting. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Is this cake suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this cake vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg or another egg substitute, and use a plant-based cream cheese and butter alternative for the frosting.

Conclusion

This Purple Velvet Cake is a showstopper, both visually and in taste. With its rich, velvety texture, vibrant color, and delicious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to delight!