Name: Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons (1 oz) purple food coloring; 1 teaspoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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This Purple Velvet Cake is a colorful twist on the classic red velvet cake, offering a rich, moist crumb and the perfect balance of flavors. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress anyone at your next gathering or special occasion.

Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

For the 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 tablespoons (1 oz) purple food coloring

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.

Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings. The total time to make this cake is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including baking and cooling.

Variations

Color Options: If you want to experiment with different colors, you can use a different food coloring to match the occasion or theme.

Flavored Cake: For a twist on the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter.

Frosting Options: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you could opt for a classic buttercream frosting or a whipped cream topping for a lighter version.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, refrigerate it, and it will last up to a week. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes for the best texture. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cake from being too dry?

To keep your cake moist, be sure not to overmix the batter and to bake it only until a toothpick comes out clean. Also, don’t skip the buttermilk and oil, as they help to keep the cake soft and tender.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, you can use a simple buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or even a ganache for a different flavor profile.

Is it okay to make the cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance. Just store the layers separately in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap, and frost the cake right before serving.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a layered cake?

Yes, this batter works perfectly for cupcakes! Just bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar. You can always add more if you need to adjust the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of a traditional red velvet cake with a fun, vibrant twist. With its moist crumb and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a treat, this cake will surely stand out and impress your guests!

Recipe:

Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A colorful twist on the classic red velvet cake, offering a rich, moist crumb and topped with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.