Go Back
Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake

Sofia Brown
This vibrant twist on red velvet cake combines red and purple food coloring, resulting in a stunning, eye-catching hue.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12
Calories 450 kcal

Notes

Ingredients : 

For the Cake:

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups, forms the structure of the cake.
  • Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups, for the perfect level of sweetness.
  • Baking soda – 1 tsp, helps the cake rise beautifully.
  • Salt – 1 tsp, balances and enhances the flavors.
  • Cocoa powder – 1 tsp, adds a subtle hint of chocolate.
  • Vegetable oil – 1 ½ cups, ensures a soft, moist texture.
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup, at room temperature, for tangy richness.
  • Large eggs – 2, at room temperature, to bind everything together.
  • Red food coloring – 2 tbsp, contributes to the signature purple shade.
  • Purple food coloring – 1 tsp (or more), for a deeper, more vibrant hue.
  • White distilled vinegar – 1 tsp, keeps the cake tender.
  • Vanilla extract – 1 tsp, for warm, rich flavor.

For the Frosting:

  • Cream cheese – 1 lb, softened, for that signature tangy creaminess.
  • Unsalted butter – 2 sticks, at room temperature, for a smooth, fluffy texture.
  • Confectioners' sugar – 4 cups, sifted, to sweeten and thicken the frosting.

Instructions : 

Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your cake pans ready. I like to butter them generously before giving them a light dusting of flour, this ensures a perfect release once the cake is baked.

The Dry Ingredients

Sift together your flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This step is key to achieving that signature velvet texture, no lumps allowed!

The Liquid Gold

Now comes the fun part! Whisk together your oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring until everything blends into a smooth, silky mixture. Watching the color develop is like a little baking magic!

Mix It Up

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently until you get a velvety-smooth batter in the most stunning shade of purple. Take your time, no overmixing!

Into the Oven

Divide the batter evenly between your cake pans, smooth the tops, and pop them in the oven. Now sit back and enjoy as your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of fresh cake! In about 25 minutes, you'll have something truly special.

Whip Up the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the texture is creamy. Gradually mix in the sifted confectioners' sugar, ensuring a smooth consistency. Add the vanilla extract and melted white chocolate, whipping until light and airy.

Assemble and Decorate

Once the cake layers have cooled completely, spread an even layer of frosting between each tier. Use the remaining frosting to coat the cake, smoothing it out for a flawless finish.