Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting Recipe
This Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting is a visually stunning and delicious dessert. The moist, tender cake boasts a subtle cocoa flavor with a vibrant purple hue and is complemented perfectly by a rich, creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. Ideal for special occasions, this cake combines classic velvet cake elements with a regal twist.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake:
- 3 cups fine flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1⅓ cups buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Purple liquid food coloring, a dash (adjust to desired hue)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Creamy Vanilla Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy cake release after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fine flour and unsweetened cocoa powder evenly to incorporate the chocolate flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Purple Food Coloring: Stir in a dash of purple liquid food coloring until the batter achieves an even purple hue. Adjust the amount to reach the desired vibrancy of color.
- Incorporate Baking Soda and Vinegar: In a small bowl, mix the white vinegar and baking soda. Once it fizzes, quickly fold this mixture into the batter to provide extra lift and lightness.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they are set before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the frosting becomes fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, layer the cake with frosting between the two layers. Cover the top and sides completely, smoothing or swirling the frosting as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the finished cake with purple sugar sprinkles, edible flowers, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to complement the royal purple theme and add visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Adjust the amount of purple food coloring to your preferred shade; start with a small amount and add gradually.
- Baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a more intense flavor, let the frosted cake chill in the fridge before serving.
Keywords: purple velvet cake, vanilla cream cheese frosting, vibrant cake, celebration cake, colorful dessert