Get ready to make a unique dessert that’ll steal the show! With this recipe for Purple Velvet Cake recipe, you’ll get a moist, soft cake that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
A simple twist on the classic red velvet, this cake uses purple coloring to bring a royal look to any occasion.
Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just a little weekday treat, this cake has a rich, moist crumb and a mild cocoa flavor that’s unmistakably delightful.
What Is Purple Velvet Cake Made Of?
Purple velvet cake is made from a blend of basic cake ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and buttermilk, along with a small amount of cocoa powder to give it that classic velvet taste.
Purple gel food coloring is added to create its distinct color, and the cake is typically finished with a rich cream cheese frosting.
What Flavor Is Purple Velvet?
Purple velvet cake has a mild cocoa flavor, similar to red velvet but often less intense.
The buttermilk adds a slight tang, creating a moist and velvety texture that balances sweetness with a hint of cocoa.
How To Make Purple Velvet Cake Recipes?
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients for Purple Velvet Cake
For a successful bake, gather these ingredients to get started with this best purple velvet cake recipe!
For The Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for a mild cocoa flavor)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tsp purple gel food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk, as needed for consistency
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
◉ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
◉ Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
◉ In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
◉ In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
◉ Add purple gel food coloring until the batter reaches your desired shade.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
◉ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
◉ Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake fluffy and soft.
Step 5: Bake
◉ Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
◉ Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
◉ Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
◉ Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
◉ Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition.
◉ Stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
◉ Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
◉ Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Serving Suggestions
I like to frost my Purple Velvet Cake with a cream cheese or white chocolate frosting.
The creamy, slightly tangy taste of the frosting complements the rich cocoa flavor and vibrant color.
Garnish with edible flowers or fresh berries for an extra layer of elegance.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
Tips and Variations
➣ Color Variations: Want to experiment with colors? Use blue, green, or any food-safe gel coloring for a different look.
➣ Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
➣ Cupcakes: This purple velvet cake recipe can also make about 24 cupcakes. Bake cupcakes at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
➣ Adding Flavors: Try adding a hint of almond extract to the batter or frosting for a unique twist.
➣ Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Health Benefits
While Purple Velvet Cake is an indulgent dessert, you can feel good knowing it’s made with whole ingredients.
Cocoa powder provides antioxidants, which benefit heart health. The eggs and buttermilk add protein and calcium, respectively, making each slice a slightly more wholesome treat.
FAQs about Purple Velvet Cake
What Does Purple Velvet Cake Taste Like?
Purple velvet cake has a mild cocoa flavor, similar to red velvet but with a unique twist from the purple coloring.
Can I Use A Different Color For The Cake?
Absolutely! You can switch up the food coloring to create any color you like for your velvet cake.
Can I Use Regular Food Coloring Instead Of Gel?
Gel food coloring is more concentrated and won’t alter the consistency of the batter. Regular food coloring may work but could affect the texture slightly.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, just substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for an easy gluten-free option.
Can I Add Other Flavors To The Cake?
You can add almond, lemon, or even orange extracts for a unique flavor twist.
Can I Use This Recipe To Make Cupcakes?
Yes, this recipe makes perfect cupcakes! Bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes.
Can I Freeze This Purple Velvet Cake?
Yes, wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Purple Velvet Cake recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s about making memories and serving a dessert that everyone will talk about.
This cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes, too!
Whether you’re baking it for a special celebration or just trying something new, this recipe brings a playful twist to the classic velvet cake we all know and love.
So, gather your ingredients, dive into the process, and get ready to enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade purple velvet cake!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy baking!
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a mild cocoa flavor
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tsp purple gel food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
- ◉ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- ◉ Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- ◉ In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- ◉ In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- ◉ Add purple gel food coloring until the batter reaches your desired shade.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
- ◉ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- ◉ Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake fluffy and soft.
Step 5: Bake
- ◉ Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- ◉ Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- ◉ Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
- ◉ Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- ◉ Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition.
- ◉ Stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- ◉ Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- ◉ Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Hi, I’m Mary, and I’m a cake maker here at the Cakerecipehome.com blog. With a passion for all things sweet and a flair for creativity in the kitchen, I spent 5 years perfecting the art of cake making and decorating. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills through countless baking experiments, and I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience with you.
I love trying new recipes, especially when they’re delicious, I love them so much… hope you like them! Thanks for the time!