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Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting

Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting

The Royal Purple Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines a rich, moist crumb with a regal hue and velvety vanilla frosting, perfect for any celebration that calls for elegance. With both traditional and customizable ingredients, it offers endless possibilities for creative and flavorful baking.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 3 cups fine flour sifted for lightness
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1⅓ cups buttermilk room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 heaping tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • A dash of purple liquid food coloring adjust to desired intensity
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 8 ounces unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted for smoothness
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat Your Oven
  2. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly and dusting with flour to prevent sticking. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder until well blended. This step ensures that the cocoa is evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing clumps and creating a smooth mixture.
  5. Cream the Butter and Sugar
  6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy.
  7. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
  8. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is evenly combined.
  9. Alternate Adding Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients
  10. Begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Stir gently after each addition and avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
  11. Add the Purple Food Coloring
  12. Add a dash of purple liquid food coloring to the batter. Stir slowly until the color is evenly blended. Add more coloring gradually if you’d like a deeper royal purple hue.
  13. Mix in the Baking Soda and Vinegar
  14. In a small separate bowl, combine the baking soda and white vinegar. It will fizz slightly—this reaction helps give the cake its signature light and fluffy texture. Fold the mixture into the batter right away to capture that airiness.
  15. Bake the Cake
  16. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  17. Cool the Layers
  18. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack and let them cool completely before adding the frosting.
  19. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
  20. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
  21. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
  22. Add the Sugar and Vanilla
  23. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
  24. Assembling the Royal Purple Velvet Cake
  25. Start with the First Layer
  26. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  27. Add the Second Layer and Frost
  28. Gently place the second cake layer on top of the first. Spread frosting over the top and sides, smoothing it out for a clean finish or creating decorative swirls for added texture.
  29. Add Decorative Touches
  30. For a beautiful royal presentation, finish by decorating the cake with edible flowers, purple sugar sprinkles, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Let your creativity shine to give it that majestic final touch.

Notes

Room Temperature Matters
Make sure all your ingredients—especially the eggs and buttermilk—are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more cohesive batter.
Choose Gel Food Coloring
For rich, bold color without adding excess liquid to your batter, opt for gel-based food coloring. It delivers vibrant results with just a small amount.
Avoid Overmixing
Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of that tender, velvety texture you're aiming for.
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting
Never frost a warm cake—doing so will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Wait until the cake layers are fully cooled for a clean, professional finish.