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Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A stunning and scrumptious cake with a rich, velvety texture and vibrant purple hue, perfectly complemented by creamy cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of your cake, ensuring it provides the right structure.
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetness that balances the cocoa flavor perfectly.
  • 1 tsp baking soda For the perfect rise and lightness.
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances the flavors beautifully.
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder Adds a subtle touch of chocolaty richness.
  • 1.5 cups vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature Contributes to a soft texture and tangy flavor.
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature Binds the ingredients together.
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring Gives the cake its signature velvet hue.
  • 1 tsp white distilled vinegar Activates the baking soda for optimal rise.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness to the batter.
  • 1 tsp purple food coloring A little extra splash of color to reach that vibrant purple hue.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 pound cream cheese, softened Provides creaminess and a slight tang.
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature Ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
  • 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar Sweetens the frosting to perfection.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them or lining them with parchment paper for easy removal later.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth.
  5. Gently stir in the purple food coloring until you achieve the desired shade, adding more if needed.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops.
Baking
  1. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Add vanilla extract and gradually incorporate the sifted confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a luscious frosting.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first cake layer.
  2. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  3. Feel free to get creative with decorations, adding sprinkles or edible flowers as desired.
Serving
  1. Grab a knife and slice your cake into pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the wet ingredients. Don't skip the cooling step to keep the frosting intact. The cake can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage. Experiment with food coloring and flavor variations for a twist.