Add a touch of elegance to your dessert table with this Royal Purple Velvet Cake. Inspired by the classic red velvet, this cake features a rich purple hue and a delicate chocolate flavor, perfect for special occasions or when you want to serve something truly unique. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is both visually stunning and decadently delicious. Whether for a birthday, wedding, or holiday, this cake is sure to impress with its royal appearance and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
For the Royal Purple Velvet Cake
- 3 cups fine flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1⅓ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- A dash of purple liquid food coloring
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces rich cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly and dusting with flour, then set them aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and finish with the flour mixture, stirring until everything is just incorporated.
- Add Food Coloring: Add a dash of purple food coloring to the batter, adjusting to reach your desired shade of royal purple. Stir gently until the color is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Baking Soda and Vinegar: In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and white vinegar together. It will fizz slightly. Quickly fold this mixture into the batter for a light, airy texture.
- Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to level the tops, then place in the preheated oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Next, transfer the cakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before adding any frosting.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting reaches a smooth consistency.
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully position the second cake layer on top, then evenly spread the rest of the frosting over the top and along the sides.
- Decorate: For an elegant finish, garnish with edible flowers, purple sugar sprinkles, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Conclusion:
This Royal Purple Velvet Cake is as regal as it is delicious, with its deep purple color and rich, tender texture. The smooth cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess that balances the cake’s subtle chocolate flavor. Perfect for any celebration, this cake brings a touch of sophistication and unique flavor to the table. Serve a slice and let everyone enjoy a taste of royalty!