Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe transforms the classic red velvet into a stunning purple showstopper that’s perfect for any celebration. The vibrant purple hue creates an eye-catching dessert that tastes just as amazing as it looks. With its tender, moist crumb and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, baby shower, or simply want to surprise your family with something special, this purple velvet cake is guaranteed to impress both visually and taste-wise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple gel food coloring (as needed)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Workspace:

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

Make the Cake Batter: 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add vegetable oil, buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
5. Add purple gel food coloring gradually, starting with a small amount and adding more until you achieve your desired purple shade. The color will deepen slightly during baking.

Bake the Cake: 6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: 8. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

9. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cake: 10. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.

11. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Use an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage.

Helpful Tips

Achieving the Perfect Purple Color: Start with a small amount of purple gel food coloring and gradually add more. Gel coloring is more concentrated than liquid and won’t thin your batter. Remember that the color will intensify slightly during baking.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk, eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for the best mixing results and smoother texture.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.

Testing for Doneness: Use the toothpick test, but also look for the cake pulling slightly away from the sides of the pan.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings: 12-16 slices
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

The key to this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in the balance of ingredients that create the signature velvet texture. The combination of buttermilk and vinegar creates a tender crumb, while the small amount of cocoa powder adds depth without overwhelming the flavor. The cream cheese frosting provides the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet cake layers.

Notes

• Food Coloring Options: Purple gel food coloring works best, but you can also mix red and blue gel colors to create your preferred shade of purple.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Pan Variations: This recipe works for two 9-inch rounds, three 6-inch rounds, or 24 cupcakes. Adjust baking times accordingly.
• Make-Ahead Option: Cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
While you can use liquid food coloring, gel coloring is recommended as it provides more vibrant color without thinning the batter. If using liquid, you may need quite a bit to achieve the desired purple shade.

Why is my cake dense?
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using ingredients that aren’t at room temperature. Mix just until combined and ensure your eggs and buttermilk are room temperature.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based alternative mixed with vinegar, and use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes for the frosting.

How do I store leftover cake?
Store covered cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe doubles easily. You’ll need four 9-inch pans or can make a larger sheet cake.

Storage Instructions

Short-term Storage: Cover the frosted cake and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to maintain its stability and food safety.

Room Temperature: If serving the same day, the cake can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours before needing refrigeration.

Freezing Instructions: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. For frosted cake, freeze uncovered for 1 hour until frosting is firm, then wrap carefully. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Individual Slices: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go servings.

Conclusion

This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe delivers everything you want in a special occasion dessert: stunning visual appeal, incredible flavor, and a texture that melts in your mouth. The vibrant purple color makes it perfect for themed parties, gender reveals, or any time you want to create something truly memorable. With its moist, tender crumb and rich cream cheese frosting, this cake proves that sometimes the most beautiful desserts are also the most delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying velvet cake for the first time, this recipe’s clear instructions and helpful tips ensure success every time you make it.