Purple Velvet Cake With White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

This eye-catching Purple Velvet Cake recipe combines classic red velvet elements with a twist of purple. The fluffy, moist cake is topped with a decadent white chocolate cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect choice for birthdays, holidays, and festive occasions. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this cake is sure to impress with both its vibrant appearance and delicious taste.

The Purple Velvet Cake is a whimsical, eye-catching dessert that combines the traditional red velvet cake’s rich flavor with a playful twist of purple. Its origins lie in the classic velvet cakes of the Southern United States, but this recipe brings a modern, fun spin, perfect for celebrations. The white chocolate cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang, balancing the lightly cocoa-flavored cake perfectly.

INGREDIENTS

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups, for the cake's base structure
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups, to sweeten the cake
• Baking soda: 1 tsp, to help the cake rise
• Salt: 1 tsp, to enhance flavor
• Cocoa powder: 1 tsp, for a hint of chocolate flavor
• Vegetable oil: 1 1/2 cups, to keep the cake moist
• Buttermilk: 1 cup, at room temperature, for a tender crumb
• Large eggs: 2, at room temperature, for binding the batter
• Red food coloring: 2 tbsp, to contribute to the purple hue
• Purple food coloring: 1 tsp (or more), to achieve desired shade
• White distilled vinegar: 1 tsp, to enhance the cake's texture
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
• Cream cheese: 1 pound, softened, for the frosting
• Unsalted butter: 2 sticks, at room temperature, for the frosting
• Confectioners' sugar: 4 cups, sifted, to sweeten and thicken the frosting

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2:

Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, whisk vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food colorings, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4:

Mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until batter is smooth.

Step 5:

Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Step 6:

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7:

Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla for frosting; gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.

Step 8:

Frost the cake layers and assemble.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve at room temperature or chilled for the best taste.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Helpful Notes

• Use more purple food coloring for a deeper hue.
• Cake flour can replace all-purpose flour for a softer texture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Anna: “Use a combination of oil and butter to enhance the cake’s moistness.”
• Chef Mark: “Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness.”

How to Achieve the Perfect Purple Hue

To achieve a vibrant purple color, use a combination of red and purple food coloring. Start with the red food coloring, then gradually add purple until the desired hue is reached. Gel food coloring tends to produce a more intense color than liquid dyes, making it an ideal choice for this recipe.

Why Use White Chocolate in the Frosting?

White chocolate adds a rich, creamy sweetness to the frosting, making it both flavorful and smooth. When combined with cream cheese, it creates a luxurious texture that pairs well with the tender cake layers. For best results, use high-quality white chocolate and melt it gently to avoid clumping.

FAQs

What makes this cake different from red velvet?

While it has similar ingredients, this version uses purple food coloring for a unique look, and it’s topped with white chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

The cake stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, the unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Summary

This Purple Velvet Cake recipe offers a fun twist on the traditional red velvet cake. It has the same soft and moist texture with a vibrant purple color, achieved using both red and purple food coloring. The white chocolate cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy richness, making it the perfect complement to the lightly cocoa-flavored cake. This dessert is visually stunning, making it an ideal choice for celebrations like birthdays, baby showers, and holidays. For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese and butter, to achieve a smooth and creamy frosting. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and consider garnishing with purple sprinkles or edible flowers for extra flair.