Welcome to the enchanting world of desserts where we transcend the ordinary with our Divine Blue Velvet Cake. This luscious treat combines rich flavors with a stunning visual appeal, making it perfect for any celebration or special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon blue food coloring
- ½ teaspoon violet food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 10 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Fresh blueberries for garnish
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Line four 6-inch round baking pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in food colorings.
- Bake: Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: Beat together butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and almond extract until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the cakes with frosting between each layer, covering the top and sides. Garnish with fresh blueberries.
- Store: Keep refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use different food colorings for a unique look? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the shades of blue and violet food colorings to create a cake that matches your aesthetic preferences.
Q: What if my frosting is too runny or too stiff? A: If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, a little milk or cream can help achieve the right consistency.
Q: How long can I store this cake? A: The Blue Velvet Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Keep them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of serving for best results.
Chef’s Advice:
For an impeccable Blue Velvet Cake, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This promotes better mixing and a smoother, more uniform texture in the cake. Also, when adding food coloring, start with a little and adjust to get the perfect hue without altering the texture of the cake.
Embrace the magic of this divine cake at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your celebration!