Purple Velvet Cake Recipe: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic

 


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven:

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

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. Add Food Coloring:

    • Add the purple gel food coloring to the wet mixture. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed until you achieve your desired shade of purple.

  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

  6. Add Vinegar:

    • Stir in the white vinegar, mixing until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide and Bake:

    • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

  2. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should spring back when lightly touched.

  3. Cool:

    • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:

    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

  2. Add Powdered Sugar:

    • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

  3. Add Vanilla and Cream:

    • Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Level the Cakes:

    • If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife to create even layers.

  2. Frost the Cake:

    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

  3. Decorate:

    • For an extra touch, decorate the cake with purple sprinkles, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Slice and Serve:
    • Slice the cake and serve it to your delighted guests. Enjoy the moist, flavorful cake with its vibrant purple color and creamy frosting.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
  • Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring because it provides a more intense color without altering the consistency of the batter.
  • Even Layers: To ensure even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally between the cake pans