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Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

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

  1. Color consistency – Adjust the food coloring to achieve your perfect shade of purple. Start small and build up.
  2. Moisture magic – Replace half the butter with oil for an even softer texture.
  3. Storage tips – Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
  4. 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