Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer! With its vibrant purple hue, moist crumb, and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stunning & Unique: The vibrant purple color is sure to impress.
Moist & Flavorful: The buttermilk and oil ensure a tender crumb.
Creamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the cake.
Perfect for Celebrations: Great for birthdays, holidays, or themed parties.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1-2 tablespoons purple/magenta food coloring (or mix red and blue)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

the Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Decoration:

Edible flowers (like violets or pansies)
Purple/pink sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
In a large bowl, beat the sugar and oil until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a small bowl, make a paste with the cocoa powder and food coloring.
Add the colored cocoa paste to the sugar mixture and beat until evenly colored.
Stir in the vanilla extract and vinegar.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (three additions of dry and two of buttermilk).

3. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the vanilla extract and salt, beating until light and fluffy.

5. Assemble the Cake

Slice each cake horizontally to create four layers.
Place one layer on a cake plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers.
Frost the sides and top of the cake.

6. Decorate

Decorate with edible flowers and sprinkles if desired.
Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for the Best Purple Velvet Cake

Use Gel Food Coloring: It provides vibrant colors without thinning the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined.
Make It Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost the cake the day of serving.
Customize the Colors: Use different food coloring to match your theme or occasion.

Serving Ideas

For Parties: Serve as a centerpiece dessert at birthdays or holidays.
With Coffee: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
As a Gift: Package individual slices in cute boxes for a homemade gift.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes! Try vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting for a different flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate celebration cake—vibrant, moist, and packed with flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and delicious cake that’s sure to impress, this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!