This stunning Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting transforms the classic red velvet into a regal masterpiece that’s perfect for special occasions. With its vibrant purple hue and luxuriously moist texture, this cake delivers both visual impact and incredible flavor that will leave your guests amazed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting combines the beloved tangy-sweet flavor of traditional velvet cake with a show-stopping royal purple color that makes any celebration feel extraordinary. The cake’s tender crumb pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy vanilla frosting, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What makes this recipe truly special is its reliability and ease of preparation. The ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry, while the technique produces consistently moist, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want to create something memorable, this Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting delivers elegance without complexity.
The vibrant purple color isn’t just for show – it creates an unforgettable visual experience that photographs beautifully and creates lasting memories. Plus, the cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for advance preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Purple Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Purple gel food coloring (about 1–2 teaspoons)
For the Creamy Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Your Kitchen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your finished cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Create the Purple Color: Add 1 teaspoon of purple gel food coloring to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add more coloring gradually until you achieve your desired royal purple shade. Gel coloring works best as it won’t thin the batter.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the colored wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a more tender cake.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: Beat softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with cream and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the vanilla flavor.
Assemble Your Cake: Place one layer on your serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining vanilla frosting.
Helpful Tips
Color Consistency: Start with less food coloring and gradually add more. Purple gel coloring is more concentrated than liquid, so a little goes a long way. Test the color by dropping a small amount of batter onto a white plate.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or create an uneven texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender crumb you want.
Frosting Perfection: Sift your powdered sugar to eliminate lumps and create silky-smooth frosting. If your frosting is too thick, add cream one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Even Layers: Use a kitchen scale to divide batter evenly between pans, or use a large spoon to alternate scoops between pans for consistent layer thickness.
Details
This Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting serves 12-14 people and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time. The cake layers can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for planning ahead.
The slight tang from buttermilk and vinegar creates the characteristic velvet cake flavor, while the small amount of cocoa powder adds depth without overwhelming the vanilla notes. The purple color remains vibrant after baking, creating a stunning contrast with the white vanilla frosting.
Notes
Altitude Adjustments: If baking at high altitude (above 3,000 feet), reduce baking soda to ¾ teaspoon and increase flour by 2 tablespoons for better structure.
Substitutions: While vegetable oil creates the moistest texture, you can substitute with melted butter (cooled) or canola oil. For the frosting, cream cheese can be substituted for half the butter for a tangier flavor profile.
Food Coloring Options: Natural purple coloring can be achieved using beet juice or purple sweet potato powder, though the color may be less vibrant and could affect taste slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake without food coloring? A: Yes! Without coloring, you’ll have a delicious vanilla-chocolate velvet cake with a light brown color from the cocoa powder.
Q: How do I store leftover cake? A: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake actually improves in flavor and moisture after the first day.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead? A: Absolutely! This recipe makes approximately 24 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
Q: Why is my frosting too runny? A: Ensure your butter isn’t too warm, and add more powdered sugar gradually. Chill for 15 minutes if needed.
Q: Can I freeze the finished cake? A: Yes, wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Storage Instructions
Store your Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. The cake actually becomes more moist and flavorful after the first day as the flavors meld together.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. The frosting may become slightly firmer when chilled, but returns to perfect consistency at room temperature.
If transporting the cake, keep it refrigerated until 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Conclusion
This Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting proves that spectacular doesn’t have to mean complicated. With its vibrant color, tender crumb, and luxurious frosting, this cake transforms any gathering into a special occasion. The combination of tangy velvet cake and sweet vanilla frosting creates a perfect harmony of flavors that appeals to all ages.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting a royal-themed party, or simply want to create something beautiful, this Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting delivers both visual impact and incredible taste. The recipe’s reliability and make-ahead potential make it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Try this stunning cake for your next celebration and watch as it becomes the centerpiece that everyone remembers. The royal purple color and creamy vanilla frosting create a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, ensuring your special moments are truly unforgettable.
