The moment i laid eyes on a purple velvet cаke i felt curious . It’s like the usual velvet cake but in a deep shade of purple that stops you in your tracks . This version popped up when bakers got tired of red velvet and started playing with different naturаl dyes like beets or purple sweet potatoes . Over time it showed up at birthdays , weddings and even fall parties because it’s unique and tasty .
In this guide we’ll show you how to make your own purple velvet cаke step by step . You’ll learn what makes it special , see the key ingredients , and get simple instructions for the batter . We’ll also cover frosting ideas and fun ways to decorate . Whether you bake all the time or this is your first try , you’ll have what you need to wow your friends and family with a pretty purple treat .
What is Purple Velvet Cake?
Purple Velvet Cake is a pretty twist on the classic velvet cake . It has a moist , soft crumb and a bright purple color thanks to natural foods like beets or purple sweet potatoes . It’s kind of like red velvet but with different pigments instead of red dye .
Red velvet first became popular in the South early in the 1900s , and later people decided to try other colors . Purple velvet uses things like pureed beets , purple carrots or sweet potatoes to get that rich hue . Not only does it look cool , it also adds a mild earthy flavor that works well with cream cheese or buttercream frosting .
This cаke isn’t just about looks , though . It’s moist and tender , so it tastes as good as it looks . You’ll often see it at weddings , birthdays or holiday get-togethers where everyone wants something a bit different on the dessert table .
Ingredients for Purple Velvet Cake
To make a great purple velvet cаke , gather fresh , good-quality ingredients . Here’s what you need and some easy swaps if you want:
- Flour: All-purpose flour works fine . For a lighter texture try cake flour .
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens it . Brown sugar adds a deeper taste or try coconut sugar if you like .
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa is optional . You can skip it for a less chocolatey cake .
- Baking soda & baking powder: These help the cake rise and stay fluffy .
- Buttermilk: Gives moisture and a bit of tang . If you don’t have it mix milk with vinegar or use plain yogurt .
- Oil or butter: Oil keeps it moist , butter adds rich flavor . You can use half and half if you like both .
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure .
- Purple food coloring (optional): Use it if your natural colors aren’t bright enough .
- Vanilla extract: Brings out all the flavors .
For natural purple color , steam and blend purple sweet potatoes or beets into a smooth puree . Stir that into the batter for a real veggie-powered hue and extra nutrients .
Directions to Make Purple Velvet Cake
Here’s how to bake your purple velvet cаke from scratch :
Step 1 : Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans . In a large bowl whisk together flour , cocoa powder , baking soda and baking powder . In another bowl beat sugar and eggs until light . Add oil (or melted butter) , buttermilk , vanilla and your purple puree . Then gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined .
Step 2 : Bake
Divide batter between the pans and smooth the tops . Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean . Don’t let them overbake or they’ll dry out .
Step 3 : Cool
Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes . Then flip them onto a rack to cool completely before frosting .
Layering Tips :
If the tops are uneven level them with a serrated knife . Put one layer on your stand , add frosting , then top with the second layer . Cover the whole cаke with remaining frosting for a neat finish .
Frosting Options for Purple Velvet Cake
Pick one of these frostings to make your purple velvet cаke shine :
- Cream Cheese Frosting : Beat 8 oz cream cheese , ½ cup softened butter , 3–4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth .
- Buttercream Frosting : Whip 1 cup softened butter , 4 cups powdered sugar , ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy .
- Whipped Cream Frosting : Whip 1 cup heavy cream , 3 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form .
Try adding lemon zest , extra cocoa or other extracts to switch up the flavor . Have fun decorating and enjoy your vibrant dessert !
Purple Velvet Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 round 9-inch cake pans
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 cooling rack
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 sifter
- 1 toothpick for testing doneness
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon purple food coloring (or natural purple color from beets)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon milk (optional for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and purple food coloring until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the vinegar, and mix gently until incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. If desired, add milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate as desired and slice to serve.
