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Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake
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Purple Velvet Cake is a rich and moist dessert featuring a tender crumb enhanced by buttermilk and vegetable oil, vibrant natural purple color, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations and everyday indulgence, this cake balances subtle cocoa notes with a tangy creamy finish, delighting both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based buttermilk alternative)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs (or flaxseed/applesauce substitute for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons purple food coloring or ½ cup natural puree (ube, blueberries, or purple sweet potato)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare your pans and preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to create an even base without lumps.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs (or vegan substitute), vanilla extract, purple food coloring or natural puree, and buttermilk until well combined and smooth.
  4. Blend dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
  5. Add vinegar and final stir: Stir in the white vinegar last, activating the leavening agents to help the cake rise. Mix until fully incorporated.
  6. Bake your cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost generously with cream cheese frosting for a tangy, creamy finish.
  8. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and spreadable.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and dairy for a smoother batter.
  • Always sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
  • Check oven temperature with a thermometer to avoid over or under-baking.
  • Choose quality cocoa powder for better color and flavor.
  • Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting before the final layer to prevent crumbs in the finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: purple velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, natural food coloring, moist cake, gluten-free cake, celebration dessert

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/purple-velvet-cake/