Description
Purple Velvet Cake is a vibrant twist on the classic red velvet, featuring a stunning purple hue and a moist, tender crumb. With a hint of cocoa and a tangy buttermilk flavor, this cake is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Perfect for celebrations, it pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting and creative garnishes like fresh berries or edible flowers. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, this colorful dessert will surely steal the spotlight!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups) – The heart of any cake, this creates the structure. Make sure to sift it for a soft, fluffy texture!
- Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetness galore! Sugar doesn’t just sweeten; it also helps lock in moisture, making your cake tender.
- Purple food coloring (2 tsp) – The star of the show! This gives your cake its signature vibrant purple hue. You can adjust the amount for your desired shade.
- Cocoa powder (2 tbsp) – A hint of chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness. It also enhances the richness of the cake.
- Buttermilk (1 cup) – Adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, a splash of vinegar in milk works wonders.
- Eggs (2 large) – These are the glue that holds your cake together, adding richness and texture.
- Baking soda (1 tsp) and vinegar (1 tsp) – A dynamic duo! Together, they create the bubbles that make your cake rise beautifully.
- Butter (½ cup) – Creamy and smooth, it provides richness and that classic buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – This adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven – Set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start.
- Prepare your pans – Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and makes removing the cakes a breeze.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and purple food coloring. The color will already look stunning!
- Blend it all together – Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Activate the magic – Add baking soda to the batter, then quickly stir in vinegar. Watch it fizz—this is your cake rising to perfection!
- Bake it – Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely – Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents cracking.
Notes
Serving
This purple velvet cake recipe makes enough for 12 servings. Here’s how to enjoy it:
- Slice and serve on its own to showcase its stunning purple layers.
- For added fun, pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a fancy touch.
- Want a twist? Try layering it with cream cheese frosting and crushed nuts for extra texture.
Tips and Hacks
- Color consistency – Adjust the food coloring to achieve your perfect shade of purple. Start small and build up.
- Moisture magic – Replace half the butter with oil for an even softer texture.
- Storage tips – Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
- Easy frosting hack – Freeze the cakes for 30 minutes before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: Purple velvet cake, easy cake recipe, vibrant dessert, colorful cake, party cakes