Embark on a culinary journey with this stunning Purple Velvet Cake, topped with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting! This vibrant and whimsical cake is perfect for special occasions and will surely be a showstopper at any gathering. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (or more) purple food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 pound cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth.
Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.
Assemble Cake:
- Frost the cake layers and assemble the cake.
FAQ:
- Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid? Yes, gel food coloring works well and often provides more vibrant colors with less quantity.
- How do I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can I make the cake layers ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before frosting and serving.
Chef’s Advice:
For the best results, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and frosting. If you find the cream cheese frosting too sweet, you can reduce the confectioners’ sugar by 1/2 cup without compromising the texture.
The Magic of Purple Velvet
The Purple Velvet Cake stands out not just for its vibrant color but also for its unique flavor profile. The combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk creates a tender crumb, while the hint of vinegar enhances the cake’s texture, making it moist and delectable.
Achieving the Perfect Hue
Adjusting the purple food coloring to your desired hue can be a fun part of the process. Whether you prefer a deep, royal purple or a light lavender, the key is to add the coloring gradually. Start with a small amount and mix well before adding more to avoid over-coloring.
Frosting: The Icing on the Cake
The White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting adds a luxurious touch to this cake. Creamy and slightly tangy, it complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly. Beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth before adding the sugar ensures a lump-free frosting.
A Showstopper for Any Occasion
This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a splash of color and flavor. Its visual appeal and delightful taste make it a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Conclusion
The Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and whimsical dessert that promises to elevate any gathering. With its vibrant color, moist texture, and rich frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful cake and the joy it brings to those who taste it!