Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of royal purple velvet cake! It’s not just any cake; it’s a stunning creation that demands attention with its vibrant hue and rich, velvety flavor. I remember the first time I made this cake for a friend’s birthday party. When I pulled it out of the oven, I was absolutely blown away by that deep purple color! Everyone was so curious, and once they took a bite, their eyes lit up. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting was simply irresistible. Now, this royal purple velvet cake has become a staple at all my gatherings, bringing joy and a touch of elegance. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite!
Ingredients for Royal Purple Velvet Cake
To create the perfect royal purple velvet cake, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This will give your cake that lovely structure.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – For that sweet touch that complements the richness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil – It keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This adds a tangy flavor and tenderness!
- 3 large eggs – They help bind everything together.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – Just a hint to deepen the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – For the perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – To give it that extra lift.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 tablespoon purple food coloring – I can’t stress this enough: use gel food coloring for a vibrant, eye-catching hue!
- 8 ounces cream cheese – For the rich frosting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – It gives the frosting a lovely creaminess.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – To sweeten and thicken your frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) – Because frosting deserves flavor too!
Gather all these ingredients, and you’re on your way to baking a showstopper!
How to Prepare Royal Purple Velvet Cake
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this royal purple velvet cake! It might sound a bit fancy, but I promise it’s straightforward and fun. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to cake heaven!
Preparing the Cake Batter
First, we need to make that gorgeous batter! In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything’s evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and that essential purple food coloring. Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and mix until everything is just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix; we want that perfect texture!
Baking the Cake
Next up, divide your luscious batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure they’re balanced, but you can eyeball it too! Pop those pans into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here; you want them to be perfectly cool for frosting!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that heavenly cream cheese frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it’s well combined. Once it’s all mixed, add in the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. The key here is to achieve a light and spreadable consistency that will perfectly complement your cake!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig into that delicious slice of royal purple velvet cake, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are approximate values. Each slice typically contains around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a treat, so enjoy every bite and balance it with your daily meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion!
- The vibrant purple color is a showstopper that impresses everyone.
- Rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth—truly irresistible!
- Versatile enough for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a deliciously tangy contrast that you’ll adore.
Tips for Success
To ensure your royal purple velvet cake turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, always use gel food coloring for that vibrant purple hue—liquid coloring just won’t cut it! Also, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing for a smooth frosting. If your frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. And remember, letting the cake sit for a few hours before slicing enhances the flavor—trust me on this one!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your royal purple velvet cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; it’s delicious chilled or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your royal purple velvet cake, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of indulgence, too! For drinks, a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee or a sparkling berry-infused lemonade pairs beautifully, enhancing the cake’s rich flavors while keeping things refreshing. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites!
FAQ about Royal Purple Velvet Cake
Got questions about making this stunning royal purple velvet cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries:
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
I highly recommend using gel food coloring for that vibrant and bold purple hue. Liquid coloring just won’t give you the same dramatic effect!
How can I make my cake more moist?
To ensure your cake is super moist, make sure not to overbake it. Also, adding a bit more buttermilk can help enhance that moist texture.
Can I bake this cake in a different pan?
Absolutely! You can use a bundt pan or even make cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It works like a charm!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.
For more delicious cake recipes, check out this layered cake recipe!
Print
Royal Purple Velvet Cake: 5 Steps to Sweet Success!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist cake with a striking purple hue, layered with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon purple food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth, then add vanilla.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color.
- Let the cake sit for a few hours to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: royal purple velvet cake, velvet cake, purple cake, dessert recipes
