Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction to Purple Velvet Cake

Welcome to the vibrant world of Purple Velvet Cake, where traditional baking meets a splash of colorful innovation. Unlike the classic red velvet cake, which has become a beloved staple in many bakeries and households, Purple Velvet Cake brings a new twist to this familiar favorite. This particular variant uses purple yam powder to achieve its eye-catching hue, blending the familiar velvet texture with a novel visual appeal that’s sure to intrigue and delight any dessert enthusiast.

This cake isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it also offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from its red counterpart. The use of purple yam not only enhances the cake with a rich, vibrant color but also imparts a subtle, earthy sweetness that complements the tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly. This combination ensures that each bite is as delicious as it is beautiful, making the Purple Velvet Cake a perfect centerpiece for celebrations, special occasions, or any moment that calls for something a little out of the ordinary.

In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about making your own Purple Velvet Cake, from the historical background of velvet cakes to a detailed ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting this visually stunning and delicious dessert.

Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Avani
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

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• • 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 tsp of cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 cups of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp of red food coloring
  • 1 tsp of white distilled vinegar
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp (or more, as needed for color) of purple food coloring

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 
  • • 1 pound of cream cheese, softened
    • 2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
    • 4 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar

   

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
   3. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
   4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth.
   5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
   6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.
   8. Frost the cake layers and assemble the cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Purple Velvet Cake

• • 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

• • 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 1 tsp of salt

• • 1 tsp of cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 cups of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of buttermilk, at room temperature

• • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp of red food coloring
  • 1 tsp of white distilled vinegar

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (or more, as needed for color) of purple food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• • 1 pound of cream cheese, softened
  • 2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract

• 4 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar

Directions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

1. 1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
   2. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
   3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth.

1. 1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
   2. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   3. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.

1. Frost the cake layers and assemble the cake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling | Kcal: 640 kcal/serving | Servings: 12 servings

Expert Tips:

• • Color Intensity: Adjust the amount of purple food coloring based on your desired hue. For a deeper purple, add a bit more coloring a drop at a time.
  • Smooth Frosting: For the silkiest frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before beating.
  • Cake Flour Option: For an even softer cake, consider substituting cake flour for all-purpose flour. Use the same amount.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this stunning Purple Velvet Cake as the grand finale to any celebration. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, or dessert after a special dinner. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with edible flowers or a light dusting of purple sugar sprinkles.

Storage:

This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, let it come to room temperature before serving after refrigeration.

FAQs

When it comes to making Purple Velvet Cake, several questions often arise, particularly about ingredient substitutions, storage, and serving. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of purple yam powder?

• While purple yam powder is ideal for achieving the authentic vibrant color and subtle flavor of Purple Velvet Cake, you can use sweet potato as a substitute. Be aware that sweet potatoes may not provide the same vivid purple hue. To enhance the color, consider adding a bit of food coloring.

How should I store the Purple Velvet Cake?

• Purple Velvet Cake should be stored in the refrigerator, especially after it has been frosted with cream cheese frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Any tips for serving?

• For an elegant presentation, serve the Purple Velvet Cake on a decorative cake stand. Garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. If serving at a party, consider pre-slicing the cake to make it easy for guests to enjoy.

These tips and substitutions can help you navigate the process of making Purple Velvet Cake more smoothly, ensuring that you can enjoy this unique dessert no matter your ingredient availability or occasion.