If you love the classic richness of red velvet cake but want something visually striking and just as delicious, this purple velvet cake recipe is for you. With its vibrant purple hue, moist texture, and hint of cocoa, this cake is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. Paired with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion where you want to impress.
This recipe will guide you through making a fluffy, tender, and flavorful purple velvet cake from scratch. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect purple color, create a silky frosting, and get expert baking tips for a flawless result. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to velvet cakes, this step-by-step guide will ensure you bake with confidence.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Purple Velvet Cake recipe : Key Benefits
This purple velvet cake recipe isn’t just about stunning color—it’s packed with flavor, texture, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll love this cake:
1. Moist and Tender Texture
Thanks to buttermilk and a touch of cocoa powder, this cake has an ultra-soft crumb, just like a classic red velvet cake. The combination of wet and dry ingredients ensures a perfectly balanced batter that bakes into a fluffy, rich cake.
2. Eye-Catching Vibrant Purple Hue
The deep purple color makes this cake stand out on any dessert table. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a wedding, or a themed party, the stunning purple appearance is sure to wow guests.
3. Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting
The tangy, creamy frosting complements the cake’s sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Made with butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, this frosting is smooth, spreadable, and enhances every bite.
4. Simple Yet Impressive Recipe
Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll get a bakery-quality cake right at home.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
From weddings and birthdays to casual gatherings, this cake is ideal for celebrations of all kinds. Its unique color and classic taste make it a memorable dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
6. Customizable Variations
Want to make cupcakes? Prefer a different frosting? This recipe offers plenty of variations, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Check out the Pro Tips and Variations section for ways to make this recipe your own.
Now that you know why this cake is a must-try, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!
Purple Velvet Cake recipe : Ingredients
Before you start baking, gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth process. This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create a moist, flavorful purple velvet cake with a silky cream cheese frosting.
For the Purple Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works as a leavening agent for a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances flavors.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds depth of flavor like a classic velvet cake.
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature – Keeps the cake soft and tender.
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil – Ensures a moist and fluffy cake.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – Provides structure and richness.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar – Reacts with baking soda for a tender crumb.
- Purple gel food coloring – The key to achieving a vibrant purple hue without affecting taste.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened – Creates a smooth, tangy frosting.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds creaminess and richness.
- 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins & Variations:
- White chocolate chips – Fold into the batter for added texture.
- Ube extract – For a natural purple hue with a mild nutty flavor.
- Lemon zest – Adds a subtle citrusy brightness.
- Purple sanding sugar – For a decorative touch on top.
With all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking! Follow the next section for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Purple Velvet Cake recipe : Instructions
Follow these step-by-step bearings to heat a sodden, flavorful purple velvet cake with a wealthy cream cheese frosting.
Step 1: Plan the Heating Pans
Preheat your stove to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch circular cake container with material paper to anticipate sticking.
Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients
In a expansive bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, heatingpop, heating powder, salt, and cocoa powder until equally combined.
Step 3: Blend the Damp Ingredients
In a partitioned bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extricate, and white vinegar.
Add a few drops of purple gel nourishment coloring and blend until you accomplish a profound, dynamic purple. (Begin with a littlesum and alter as needed.)
Step 4: Combine Damp and Dry Ingredients
Gradually include the dampblend into the dry fixings, mixingtenderly until fair combined. Dodge overmixing, as it can make the cake dense.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to guarantee an indeed batter.
Step 5: Heat the Cake
Divide the hitterequally between the two arranged cake pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick embedded in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the container for 10 minutes, at that pointexchange them to a wire rack to cool totallysome time recently frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a expansive bowl, beat the mollified cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually include the powdered sugar, blending on moo speed until incorporated.
Add the vanilla extricate and a squeeze of salt, at that point beat on tall speed for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
Step 7: Collect the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an indeed layer of icing over the top.
Place the moment cake layer on best and apply a leanpiece coat of icing. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
Apply the remaining icingequally over the cake, smoothing the sides and top.
Step 8: Brighten and Serve
If craved, embellish with purple sanding sugar, white chocolate shavings, or new berries.
Slice and serve at room temperature for the best surface and flavor.
Your purple velvet cake with cream cheese icing is presentlyprepared to appreciate! Up another, learn master tips and varieties to customize your cake.
Purple Velvet Cake recipe : Pro Tips and Variations
To make your purple velvet cake even more delicious and visually stunning, follow these expert tips and creative variations.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake
Use High-Quality Food Coloring – Opt for purple gel food coloring instead of liquid food dye. Gel provides a vibrant hue without altering the batter’s consistency.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a dense cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature before baking. This helps create a smooth, even batter and ensures proper emulsification.
Check for Doneness Properly – Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), your cake is perfectly baked.
Chill the Cake Before Frosting – Refrigerate the cake layers for 30 minutes before frosting. This prevents crumbs from mixing into the frosting and makes decorating easier.
For an Ultra-Smooth Frosting – Beat the cream cheese and butter until completely smooth before adding the powdered sugar. This ensures a lump-free, silky frosting.
Variations and Customizations
White Chocolate Twist – Add ½ cup of melted white chocolate to the cream cheese frosting for a richer, creamier flavor.
Purple Velvet Cupcakes – Instead of a cake, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Natural Coloring Option – Replace food coloring with ube extract or purple sweet potato powder for a more natural purple hue with a subtle nutty flavor.
Chocolate Lover’s Version – Increase the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons for a deeper chocolate taste while keeping the signature velvet cake texture.
Berry-Infused Frosting – Mix in ½ cup of pureed blackberries or blueberries into the frosting for a fruitier flavor and a light purple color.
By following these tips and experimenting with variations, you can create a unique and irresistible purple velvet cake that suits your taste and style.
Next, let’s explore the best ways to serve and present your cake for any occasion!
Purple Velvet Cake recipe : Serving Suggestions
A beautifully frosted purple velvet cake deserves the perfect presentation. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual treat, these ideas will enhance its appeal and flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Purple Velvet Cake
Room Temperature for the Best Texture – Let the cake sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and enhances the cake’s moist, velvety texture.
Chill for a Firmer Slice – If you prefer clean, sharp slices, refrigerate the cake for 30–45 minutes before cutting. This firms up the frosting and prevents smudging.
Use a Hot Knife for Perfect Slices – Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the cake for smooth, even cuts.
Pair with Complementary Drinks – Serve with:
- A glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
- Hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
- A berry-infused cocktail or mocktail for a gourmet experience.
Perfect Occasions for Purple Velvet Cake
Birthday Celebrations – Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
Themed Parties – Ideal for weddings, baby showers, or purple-themed events. Decorate with matching flowers or cake toppers.
Berry-Lover’s Delight – Serve with fresh blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of natural sweetness.
Holiday Twist – Garnish with white chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble a snowy effect.
Elegant Dessert for Special Dinners – Present on a beautiful cake stand with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce for a refined touch.
By choosing the right presentation and pairings, you can turn this cake into a show-stopping dessert that impresses every guest.
Up next, let’s wrap things up with a quick recap and final thoughts!
Purple Velvet Cake recipe : Conclusion
The Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a stunning and delicious twist on the classic red velvet cake. With its vibrant purple hue, rich cocoa flavor, and silky-smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to elegant gatherings.
By following the step-by-step instructions and using the pro tips provided, you can achieve a moist, fluffy cake with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Whether you choose to customize it with white chocolate, berry-infused frosting, or natural color alternatives, this recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to your taste.
This cake isn’t just about looks—it’s about flavor, texture, and indulgence. Serve it chilled for a firmer bite or at room temperature for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair it with your favorite drinks and garnishes for an unforgettable dessert.
Now that you have all the details to create this delightful cake, it’s time to preheat your oven and bring this purple masterpiece to life!
Happy baking!
Next, let’s answer some common questions about Purple Velvet Cake in the FAQ section.
FAQs
What flavor is Purple Velvet Cake?
Purple velvet cake has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of cocoa, just like red velvet cake. The slight tanginess from buttermilk and cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness, creating a smooth, velvety taste.
How do you make the purple color in the cake?
To achieve a deep purple hue, use purple gel food coloring. If unavailable, mix red and blue gel food coloring in a 3:1 ratio. For a natural alternative, try ube extract or purple sweet potato powder.
What’s the difference between red velvet and purple velvet cake?
Both cakes share a soft, moist texture and a slight cocoa flavor, but the key difference is the color.
Red Velvet Cake uses red food coloring or natural beet juice.
Purple Velvet Cake uses purple food coloring or natural purple ingredients like ube or blueberries.
How do you get a vibrant purple cake batter?
For the best color: Use concentrated gel food coloring instead of liquid food dye. Start with a white cake base to prevent interference from yellow butter or egg yolks. Add coloring gradually to achieve the desired purple shade.
Can I make Purple Velvet Cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Is there a Purple Velvet Cake recipe by Delia Smith?
No official Purple Velvet Cake recipe exists from Delia Smith, but her red velvet cake recipe can be adapted. Follow her cake method and replace the red food coloring with purple gel coloring or natural ube extract.
This FAQ section covers common baking questions and troubleshooting tips to help you master the perfect Purple Velvet Cake. Now, it’s time to bake and enjoy your stunning, flavorful dessert!