Purple Velvet Cake

Welcome to the vibrant world of Purple Velvet Cake, where traditional baking meets a colorful twist! This moist and velvety cake is perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or as a stunning dessert for brunch. The rich cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this cake a true showstopper.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake:
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Purple Velvet Cake
• Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
• Step 2: Bake the Cakes
• Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 4: Assemble the Cake
• How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake
• Pair with Beverages
• Add Decorative Touches
• Create Dessert Plates
• How to Perfect Purple Velvet Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Purple Velvet Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Purple Velvet Cake
• Reheating Purple Velvet Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Purple Velvet Cake?
• How do I adjust the color of my Purple Velvet Cake?
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What pairs well with Purple Velvet Cake?
• How long does it take to prepare and bake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth and creamy batter for both the cake and frosting.
• Sifter: Helps incorporate air into dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping the sides of bowls to minimize waste and ensure thorough mixing.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

PIN THIS!

How to Make Purple Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then set them aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and evenly colored. Adjust the purple food coloring as needed for your desired shade.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with unsalted butter and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar while beating on low speed until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over one cake layer.
Place the second layer on top and frost both the top and sides with remaining frosting.
Smooth out or create decorative swirls with frosting as desired.

How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake

Serving Purple Velvet Cake can elevate any occasion, making it truly special. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy brunch, these suggestions will help you present your cake beautifully.

Pair with Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
• Tea: A light herbal or floral tea can balance the cake’s richness.
• Sparkling Water: For a refreshing option, serve chilled sparkling water with lemon.

Add Decorative Touches

• Edible Flowers: Garnish your cake with vibrant edible flowers for a stunning visual appeal.
• Purple Sugar Crystals: Sprinkle some purple sugar crystals on top for extra texture and color.
• Chocolate Shavings: Add white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Create Dessert Plates

• Mini Slices: Serve smaller portions alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert plate.
• Fruit Compote: Pair each slice with a spoonful of berry compote to enhance the flavors.

How to Perfect Purple Velvet Cake

To ensure your Purple Velvet Cake turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Color Adjustments: Use purple food coloring in small increments to achieve your desired shade without overpowering the cake.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and buttermilk for better flavor and moisture.
• Proper Mixing: Mix your batter just until combined to avoid overworking the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Cooling Time Matters: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the cream cheese frosting.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Purple Velvet Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Purple Velvet Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the moist cake texture.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers a decadent pairing that enhances the overall dessert experience.
4. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides airy texture alongside the denser cake.
5. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings brightness and healthiness to balance the indulgence of cake.
6. Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies add crunchiness that complements the softness of the velvet cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Purple Velvet Cake can be fun, but small mistakes can lead to unexpected results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect the cake’s texture. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined for a light and airy texture.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake and do the toothpick test a few minutes before the suggested time.
• Skipping cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting frosting. Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftover Purple Velvet Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Purple Velvet Cake

• item Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Purple Velvet Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over simmering water, warming each slice for a few minutes until warm.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Purple Velvet Cake?

Purple Velvet Cake is a vibrant twist on traditional velvet cakes, featuring purple food coloring that gives it a unique look and flavor.

How do I adjust the color of my Purple Velvet Cake?

To achieve your desired shade, add purple food coloring gradually while mixing until you reach your preferred hue.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour using the same measurements to create a gluten-free Purple Velvet Cake.

What pairs well with Purple Velvet Cake?

This colorful cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even sparkling beverages, making it perfect for any celebration.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

The total time for preparing and baking this delectable cake is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, which includes cooling time.

Final Thoughts

Purple Velvet Cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this recipe offers flexibility for personalization. Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings that suit your taste!