Purple Velvet Cake Recipe – Moist, Fluffy & Stunning Dessert 2025

Purple Velvet Cake is a vibrant and luxurious dessert that adds an elegant touch to any occasion. Inspired by the classic Red Velvet Cake, this recipe features a soft, moist texture and a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of cocoa. The deep purple hue makes it perfect for themed parties, birthdays, and special events. Unlike traditional velvet cakes, this version uses natural and artificial coloring options to achieve the perfect shade of purple. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

In this detailed guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, ingredient variations, and expert tips to help you create the perfect Purple Velvet Cake at home.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (substitute with melted butter if avoiding vegetable oil)
  • 2 tablespoons purple gel food coloring (or natural alternatives like beet juice and blueberry reduction)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  1. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  2. Mix in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter if substituting).
  3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Color

  1. Stir in the purple gel food coloring, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired shade of purple. If using natural colors, blend blueberry reduction and beet juice for a rich purple tone.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  2. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing on low speed.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  3. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula and decorate as desired.

Variations

  • Purple Ombre Cake: Use different shades of purple food coloring in separate layers for a beautiful gradient effect.
  • Nutty Twist: Fold ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture.
  • Berry-Infused: Add a ½ cup of mashed blueberries for a fruity twist that complements the purple color.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter, and replace buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar.

Cooking Notes

  • Always use gel food coloring instead of liquid food dye for a more vibrant, concentrated color.
  • Sifting the dry ingredients helps achieve a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense cake.
  • If using natural coloring, reduce moisture elsewhere to keep the batter balanced.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries) for a complementary tartness.
  • Pair with a drizzle of white chocolate ganache for an extra indulgence.
  • A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream balances the rich flavors beautifully.
  • Garnish with edible flowers or gold leaf for an elegant touch.

Tips

  • Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) ensure even mixing.
  • For extra moisture, replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  • Use a cake turntable for smooth frosting application.
  • Let the cake rest for a few hours before slicing for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Sodium: ~320mg

FAQs Of Purple Velvet Cake

1. What makes Purple Velvet Cake different from Red Velvet Cake?

Purple Velvet Cake follows the same concept as Red Velvet Cake but uses purple food coloring instead of red. It retains the same soft texture and slight cocoa flavor.

2. Can I use natural food coloring for this recipe?

Yes! Blueberry reduction, beet juice, and purple sweet potato powder are great natural alternatives.

3. Why is vinegar used in this recipe?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda to create air bubbles, making the cake fluffy and soft.

4. How do I store Purple Velvet Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

5. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Frost before serving.

Conclusion Abut Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake is a unique and beautiful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for special occasions. With its velvety texture, rich cream cheese frosting, and striking purple color, this cake is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a party, birthday, or just because, following this detailed guide will ensure a stunning and delicious result every time.

Enjoy your baking! 🍰💜

For all recipes: https://neilarecipes.blog/

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Purple Velvet Cake

Purple Velvet Cake Recipe – Moist, Fluffy & Stunning Dessert 2025


  • Author: Neila
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (substitute with melted butter if avoiding vegetable oil)
  • 2 tablespoons purple gel food coloring (or natural alternatives like beet juice and blueberry reduction)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  1. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  2. Mix in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter if substituting).
  3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Color

  1. Stir in the purple gel food coloring, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired shade of purple. If using natural colors, blend blueberry reduction and beet juice for a rich purple tone.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  2. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing on low speed.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  3. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula and decorate as desired.

Notes

Cooking Notes

  • Always use gel food coloring instead of liquid food dye for a more vibrant, concentrated color.
  • Sifting the dry ingredients helps achieve a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense cake.
  • If using natural coloring, reduce moisture elsewhere to keep the batter balanced.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Protein: 5g

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