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Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting Recipe

5 from 99 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fine flour and unsweetened cocoa powder evenly to incorporate the chocolate flavor.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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