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Royal Purple Velvet Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

Royal Purple Velvet Cake is a visually stunning and moist cake featuring a vibrant purple hue achieved with food coloring and enhanced by the subtle richness of cocoa powder. This elegant two-layer cake is complemented by a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for special occasions or celebrations that desire a unique twist on classic velvet cake.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes do not stick during baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder to distribute the cocoa evenly throughout the dry mixture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a good base for the cake batter.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently to combine without overmixing, which keeps the cake tender.
  6. Add Purple Coloring: Add the purple liquid food coloring and stir until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the amount of coloring to reach the desired vibrancy of purple.
  7. Activate Baking Soda: In a small bowl, mix the white vinegar and baking soda; the mixture will fizz, which is crucial for the cake’s lift. Quickly fold this mixture into the batter fully but gently.
  8. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are done.
  9. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature to prepare for frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  11. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
  12. Assemble Cake: Once cakes have cooled completely, layer the cakes by spreading frosting between them, then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Smooth or use swirls according to preference.
  13. Garnish: Decorate the finished cake with purple sugar sprinkles, edible flowers, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance presentation and complement the purple theme.

Notes

  • Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
  • Adjust the purple food coloring carefully to avoid an overly artificial taste.
  • Careful folding of the baking soda and vinegar mixture is essential for the cake’s rise and fluffiness.
  • Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of frosting.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.

Keywords: purple velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, vibrant cake, celebration cake, classic velvet cake twist

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/royal-purple-velvet-cake-recipe/