Purple Velvet Cake Recipe \\ A Classic Red Velvet

A looking for a show-stopping dessert, the Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is a must-try. This cake takes the classic red velvet to a whole new level, with a stunning purple hue that’s both vibrant and elegant.

As a food enthusiast, I love experimenting with new twists on traditional recipes, and this one does not disappoint.

The texture is as soft and velvety as you’d expect, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy touch. Celebrating a special occasion or just craving something unique, this cake will undoubtedly impress.

I’m excited to share my version of the Purple Velvet Cake Recipe with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine!

Why Everyone Will Love It?

Everyone will love the Purple Velvet Cake Recipe because it’s a visually stunning treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The rich, velvety texture of the cake is soft and moist, making each bite a satisfying experience.

The vibrant purple color adds a fun, unique twist to the classic red velvet, making it perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual get-togethers.

The cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness with its tangy flavor, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

A fan of classic cakes or love trying new recipes, this cake will win you over. It’s a showstopper that not only tastes amazing but also makes a gorgeous centerpiece on any dessert table!

How To Prepare Purple Velvet Cake Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes​

Cooking Time: 30 minutes​

Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)​

Course: Dessert​

Cuisine: American​

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Two 9-inch round cake pans​
• Mixing bowls​
• Electric mixer or whisk​
• Measuring cups and spoons​
• Spatula​
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp purple food coloring (gel works best)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

How To Make

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out easily.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are evenly distributed.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add Food Coloring and Vinegar

Stir in the purple food coloring. For a vibrant purple shade, you may need to add a bit more coloring, depending on the brand. Mix in the vinegar and fold until everything is well incorporated.

6. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

8. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Cake Moisture: Ensure the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Storing: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Baking Time Variance: Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Check for doneness around 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts Purple Velvet Cake Recipe

Calories: 380 kcal

Fat: 21g

Carbohydrates: 47g

Protein: 3g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 35g

Pro Tips For Making Purple Velvet Cake Recipe

Here are my top 5 pro tips for making the Purple Velvet Cake Recipe:

1. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant, consistent purple hue compared to liquid food coloring. It also won’t alter the cake’s texture.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can result in a dense cake instead of a light, airy texture.

3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature before using them. This helps everything mix more evenly and creates a smoother batter.

4. Check Cake Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake at 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

5. Chill the Cake Before Frosting: Let the cake layers cool completely, and even chill them for 30 minutes. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a cleaner, smoother finish.

How To Store Leftovers Purple Velvet Cake Recipe

To store leftovers of your Purple Velvet Cake Recipe, make sure it’s fully cooled before covering it. Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep the cake fresh for a longer period, freezing is an option.

Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag.

You can store frozen slices for up to 2-3 months. Ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Top Healthy Nutrition Benefits

Here are the top 5 healthy nutrition benefits of the Purple Velvet Cake Recipe:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: The purple hue of the cake comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.

2. Probiotic Boost from Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient, and it contains probiotics that support gut health and improve digestion.

3. Healthy Fats from Oil: Using vegetable oil in the cake provides healthy unsaturated fats that support heart health when consumed in moderation.

4. Nutrient-Rich Cocoa: The cocoa powder used in the recipe is rich in flavonoids, which have been linked to improved brain function and better blood flow.

5. Protein from Eggs: Eggs provide a good source of protein, which helps in muscle repair and growth while promoting satiety.

What Is Purple Velvet Cake?

Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is a unique twist on the traditional red velvet cake, featuring a vibrant purple color instead of red. It has the same soft, moist texture with a rich flavor, often paired with cream cheese frosting.

The cake’s distinctive purple hue is achieved through food coloring, creating a stunning visual appeal perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a fun touch to your baking.

How To Make Purple Color In Cake?

To achieve a deep purple color in your cake, use gel food coloring. Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid, allowing you to control the intensity without affecting the cake’s texture.

Add it to the batter gradually, mixing until you reach the desired shade. You can also use natural purple food coloring derived from ingredients like purple sweet potatoes or blueberries, though the color may be less vibrant.

Is Purple Velvet The Same As Red Velvet?

Purple Velvet Cake Recipe and Red Velvet cakes are very similar in texture and flavor but differ in color. Both cakes are known for their soft, moist crumb and tangy cream cheese frosting.

The main difference lies in the food coloring used. Red velvet uses red dye, while purple velvet uses purple food coloring to give the cake its signature hue. The flavor is typically the same in both cakes, with a slight cocoa taste and a rich, buttery profile.

What Does Purple Velvet Cake Taste Like?

Purple Velvet Cake Recipe tastes remarkably similar to red velvet—rich, moist, and slightly chocolatey, with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk and cream cheese frosting.

The cake’s tender crumb and smooth texture make each bite incredibly satisfying. The flavor is subtly sweet, with the cream cheese frosting adding a creamy, slightly tart contrast that complements the cake perfectly.

What’s Up With The Vinegar?

The vinegar in a Purple Velvet Cake Recipe helps activate the baking soda, creating a lighter and fluffier texture. It also contributes to the cake’s signature tangy flavor.

Vinegar reacts with the buttermilk to create a mild acidity, which enhances the overall taste of the cake and balances out the sweetness. Plus, it helps intensify the purple color when mixed with the food coloring.

Do I Have To Weigh Out My Ingredients?

While it’s not strictly necessary, weighing your ingredients is highly recommended for consistent results. Using a kitchen scale ensures precise measurements, especially for dry ingredients like flour and sugar.

This is important in baking, where small variations in ingredient amounts can affect the texture and outcome of the cake. If you don’t have a scale, using measuring cups and spoons will still work, but accuracy may vary.

Can I Freeze This Purple Velvet Cake?

Yes, you can freeze purple velvet cake! If you have leftover cake or want to prepare it ahead of time, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.

You can freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving. This helps retain the cake’s moisture and texture.

What Do I Do With Extra Icing?

If you have extra icing after frosting your cake, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Leftover cream cheese frosting also makes a delicious topping for cupcakes, cookies, or even pancakes. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it again for easy spreading.

Can I Make A Blue Velvet Cake Or Orange Velvet Cake Or A Velvet Cake In Other Colors?

Absolutely! You can make velvet cakes in a variety of colors, from blue to orange, by using different food colorings. The process is the same as with purple velvet—just swap out the purple food coloring for your desired color.

Keep in mind that the final hue may vary slightly depending on the food coloring used, so it’s fun to experiment with different shades. The taste and texture will remain the same, regardless of the color!

Conclusion

The Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, offering a unique and vibrant dessert experience.

Its moist, velvety texture combined with the rich cream cheese frosting makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. baking for a special celebration or simply indulging in something sweet, this cake will surely impress.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new in your kitchen, and I’m confident you’ll love the result.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavors and toppings, making it your own. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this gorgeous and delicious Purple Velvet Cake!