Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
The Purple Velvet Cake Recipe is vibrant, moist and irresistibly sweet — perfect for birthdays, parties or any celebration that needs a pop of color.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- Purple gel food coloring about 1–2 tsp, adjust for desired shade
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 –6 tbsp milk or cream
- Optional: a few drops of purple food coloring to match cake
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prep Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and purple food coloring until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and 4 tbsp milk or cream. Beat until fluffy.
- Adjust consistency with more milk if needed. Add purple coloring if desired.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate as desired with sprinkles or edible decorations.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant shade without altering texture.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Add a pinch of salt to frosting for balance.
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Slice with a sharp knife for clean layers.