Description
Royal Purple Velvet Cake is a stunning and delicious twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring a vibrant purple hue thanks to purple food coloring. This moist and tender cake is layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the subtle cocoa flavor. Ideal for celebrations and special occasions, this cake combines rich flavor with an eye-catching appearance.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon purple food coloring gel or liquid
- 1/2 cup hot water
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, purple food coloring gel or liquid, and hot water until the mixture is well blended.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
- Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy using a mixer on medium speed.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and free of lumps.
- Flavor Frosting: Blend in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread frosting evenly between the cooled cake layers. Then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a smooth, elegant finish.
Notes
- Gel food coloring produces a more vibrant and intense purple color compared to liquid coloring.
- Decorate the cake with purple sprinkles, edible flowers, or white chocolate shavings to enhance its elegant appearance.
- For a deeper, fruitier flavor, consider adding a small amount of blueberry or blackberry puree to the batter before baking.
