This Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is moist, fluffy, and has a beautiful purple color. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it is perfect for special occasions.
Hello there, my friend 👋! Want to try something unique and delicious?
This purple velvet cake is guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.
It is just like red velvet cake, but with a bright ans beautiful purple hue and a delicious hint of blueberry.
Let’s bake!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Two large mixing bowls.
- Several smaller mixing bowls.
- A whisk.
- Round cake pans (9 inch or 8 inch).
- A hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Oven mitts.
- Spatula
- Wire racks.
- Serving plates
The Recipe
Purple Velvet Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon purple gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon blueberry extract or vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a small cup, combine the buttermilk, purple food coloring, and blueberry extract.
- Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Blend until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Divide the batter between your prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the cake:
- Level the tops of the cakes if needed for a flat stacking surface.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a layer of frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with a generous layer of frosting.
Notes
- Use high-quality purple gel food coloring for the most vibrant color. Add more food coloring if needed.
- For an even richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the cake batter.
- Store your leftover purple velvet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| All-purpose flour | Cake flour, whole-wheat flour |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce salt in recipe), shortening, vegan butter substitute |
| Buttermilk | Sour cream thinned with a little water, non-dairy alternative |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup |
| Purple gel food coloring | Red and blue gel food coloring mixed together |
| Blueberry extract | Vanilla extract |
What to Serve with Purple Velvet Cake
Purple velvet cake is a delicious dessert all on its own, but try pairing it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Whipped cream.
- Fresh blueberries and raspberries
- A tall glass of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is purple velvet cake purple?
Purple velvet cake gets its beautiful color from food coloring, typically a purple gel food coloring.
What flavor is purple velvet cake?
Purple velvet cake has a subtle vanilla and blueberry flavor and is very similar to red velvet cake.
Can I make purple velvet cupcakes?
Yes, you can. These cupcakes will take about 18-22 minutes to bake.
How should I store leftover purple velvet cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze purple velvet cake?
Yes. Frosted or unfrosted, wrap your purple velvet cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
