1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Homemade Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake

Featured in Sweet Things.

This Purple Velvet Cake takes the beloved classic red velvet cake and gives it a stunning purple makeover. The cake stays true to the original's rich, velvety texture with a hint of cocoa, but swaps the traditional red for a gorgeous purple hue. Just like its red cousin, it features a perfectly moist crumb thanks to the combination of buttermilk and oil, while a touch of vinegar helps activate the baking soda for the perfect rise. The real crown jewel is the cream cheese frosting - silky smooth and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. It's ideal for special occasions when you want something familiar yet uniquely eye-catching.
Soo Ben
Updated on Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:57:32 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe Pin it
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

The moment you slice into this Purple Velvet Cake, you'll witness pure magic—layers of vibrant violet crumb embraced by silky white chocolate cream cheese frosting. After countless experiments perfecting velvet cakes, I've discovered that achieving that signature tender texture requires precise measurements and careful attention to technique. Every time I serve this showstopper, guests pause in awe before eagerly requesting the recipe.

Last weekend, I made this for my niece's graduation party. The moment we cut into it, revealing those perfect violet layers against the pristine white frosting, the entire room gasped. The secret? Taking time to properly measure and incorporate each ingredient.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

For the Cake:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour - Use unbleached for the purest color.
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar - Regular granulated works best.
  • 1 tsp baking soda - Fresh is crucial for proper rise.
  • 1 tsp salt - Fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder - Natural, not Dutch-processed.
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil - For ultimate moisture.
  • 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature) - Real buttermilk, not a substitute.
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature) - Essential for proper structure.
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring - Gel-based for best results.
  • 1 tsp purple food coloring - Adjust for desired vibrancy.
  • 1 tsp white distilled vinegar - Activates the baking soda.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract - Pure, not imitation.

For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 lb cream cheese (softened) - Full-fat, room temperature.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) - European-style preferred.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted) - Must be sifted for smoothness.
  • 8 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled) - Premium quality.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract - Pure for best flavor.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Pin it
Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting | mamamiakitchen.com
1. Cake Batter Preparation
Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder—this isn't optional, as it ensures even distribution.
In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food colorings, vinegar, and vanilla until completely smooth.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until combined—overmixing will affect texture.
2. Baking Process
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, using a scale for precision.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for exactly 10 minutes before turning onto a cooling rack.
3. Frosting Creation
Melt white chocolate in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each.
Beat cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.
Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, ensuring no lumps remain.
Pour in cooled white chocolate and vanilla, beating until perfectly smooth.

Cake Assembly and Decoration

Level cake layers if needed for even stacking. Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second layer and apply a thin crumb coat.

Chill for 15 minutes before applying the final coat of frosting. Decorate with fresh berries, edible glitter, or chocolate shavings.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw: Let frozen layers thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Delicious Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Pin it
Delicious Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream | mamamiakitchen.com

Perfect Pairings

  • Drinks: Pairs well with dessert wine, coffee, or vanilla chai.
  • Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use cake flour?
Yes, substitute 1:1, plus add 2 extra tablespoons of flour.
Can I use a buttermilk substitute?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make this ahead?
Bake layers the day before and frost before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Purple Velvet Cake represents the perfect balance of beauty and flavor. While it requires attention to detail, each step contributes to creating something truly magical. Even if your first attempt isn't picture-perfect, the taste will be unforgettable.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this cake brings as much joy to your celebrations as it has to mine.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

  • Calories: ~350
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fat: ~18g

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use both red and purple coloring?
The combination creates a deeper purple color than purple alone. Red helps achieve the right tone.
→ Can I use liquid or gel food coloring?
Both work, but gel colors are more concentrated and need less for vibrant color.
→ Why room temperature ingredients?
They blend better and create a smoother batter for better texture.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cake layers can be made 1 day ahead. Frost same day for best results.
→ Why add vinegar?
It reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and stay tender.

Homemade Purple Velvet Cake

Rich and moist purple-tinted cake with silky cream cheese frosting. A colorful twist on classic red velvet cake!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (2 layer cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake

01 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 1½ cups granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
06 1½ cups vegetable oil
07 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 2 tablespoons red food coloring
10 1 teaspoon purple food coloring
11 1 teaspoon white vinegar
12 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 1 pound cream cheese, softened
14 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
15 4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

Step 02

Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.

Step 03

Whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, food colorings, vinegar, and vanilla.

Step 04

Mix wet into dry until smooth. Divide between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes.

Step 05

Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Add sugar until fluffy.

Notes

  1. Can adjust purple color intensity
  2. Use room temperature ingredients
  3. Cake flour optional for softer texture

Tools You'll Need

  • Two 9-inch cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Sifter
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (buttermilk, cream cheese, butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (flour)