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Purple Velvet Cake on a cake stand with cream cheese frosting and purple flowers, showing the vibrant purple layers and smooth frosting.

Purple Velvet Cake Recipe

This Purple Velvet Cake is a vibrant twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring a rich purple hue, soft texture, and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern (if you are drawing from traditional velvet cake roots)
Servings 10 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 2 x 9-inch Round Cake Pans
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer)
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset Spatula
  • Timer
  • Knife or Cake Leveler
  • Serving Platter or Cake Stand

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp purple food coloring (gel)
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

Frosting

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
  • Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and purple food coloring.
  • Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in vinegar and melted butter.
  • Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
  • Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Frosting: For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, and mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
  • Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers and around the sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Optional Add-ins: Add a few edible flowers or purple sprinkles for decoration.
  • Tip: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
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