Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that will dazzle at any celebration, look no further than this Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine the classic, moist crumb of a traditional velvet cake, but kissed with a vibrant, gorgeous purple hue and crowned with fluffy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake is pure delight for the eyes and the tastebuds—a bakery-worthy creation that’s surprisingly simple to pull off in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or simply to treat someone special, you’ll love how its color, flavor, and soft texture come together in every bite. Get ready to wow your guests and yourself with this irresistible cake!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe has a special job to do, from creating the cake’s signature velvet texture to delivering that unforgettable color and tang. Don’t be intimidated by the list—they’re all pantry staples with a few simple upgrades to make this cake a true standout.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the structure of your cake and gives it a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
• Baking soda: Helps your layers rise evenly and become perfectly fluffy.
• Baking powder: Gives an extra lift for a lighter, airier cake body.
• Salt: Balances out the sweet notes and boosts all the other flavors.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses a subtle chocolate undertone that’s a must in any true velvet cake.
• Vegetable oil: Provides incredible moisture and softness without weighing the cake down.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tang and tenderizes the crumb beautifully.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together for a smooth, rich batter.
• White vinegar: Activates the leaveners and sharpens the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Delivers warmth and classic cake aroma.
• Purple gel food coloring: A small amount delivers big, vibrant color with no extra liquid—be bold with your shade!
• Cream cheese (softened): Key to the tangy, creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake’s flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Blends with cream cheese for a lusciously smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and fluffs up your frosting to the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract (again): Brings that mellow, aromatic finish to your frosting.
• Milk (if needed): Just a splash loosens the frosting if it’s a little too thick to spread.

How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—perfect baking temperature for an even rise. Don’t skip greasing and flouring your three 8-inch round cake pans, and be sure to line each bottom with parchment paper. This step guarantees easy release and flawless layers, so your Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes out looking professional and photo-ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting or whisking well is key here—it keeps the cake airy and ensures that every bite is evenly flavored and smooth, with no dry pockets or lumps.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine your vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and purple gel food coloring. Start light with the food coloring and add more until you reach that dazzling shade of purple you’re after. Mixing these wet ingredients together first ensures the color and flavors are well distributed before they ever touch the dry mix.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Make the Batter

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. You want a smooth, glossy purple batter that’s not overworked (over-mixing can make the cake tough). Divide the luscious batter evenly among your prepared pans. If you’re after the signature velvet texture, a gentle touch is your best friend here.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen and the purple color will deepen as it bakes. Once done, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out to cool completely. Patience pays off; fully cooled cakes mean a neater, crumbless finish when you frost.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Time to make that dreamy cream cheese frosting! In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Slowly add in your powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. If the frosting seems too stiff, simply add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach spreadable perfection. The tang and fluff of the frosting are what set this cake apart.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble

Cake assembly is always the most fun part! Place the first cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, and repeat with the remaining layers. Use the rest of the frosting to cover the sides and top of the cake, swirling or smoothing as you wish. With every frosted layer, your Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting becomes more irresistible and elegant. For the cleanest slices, chill your finished cake for an hour before serving.

How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Presentation takes this cake over the top! Decorate your Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with fresh edible flowers, a sprinkle of purple sanding sugar, or a handful of fresh berries. Even simple curls of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar will make the purple pop and give your cake a celebratory finish.

Side Dishes

This cake is the perfect anchor for a festive dessert table. Pair it with a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream, a fresh fruit salad, or even a cool glass of milk to cut through the richness. Hot drinks like coffee or black tea also balance out the sweetness and make every slice even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off the stunning color and frosted layers by serving individual slices on contrasting plates or cake stands. For a playful twist, consider making mini “naked” Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by baking the batter in cupcake tins and giving each just a swipe of frosting. Layered parfait jars or cake pops using leftovers can turn your dessert into a whimsical treat for parties or picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your cake fresh by covering it tightly and refrigerating. The cream cheese frosting keeps it super moist, and the chill allows you to enjoy neat, tidy slices for up to four days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make the cake layers ahead and freeze them tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months—just wait to frost until you’re ready to serve. You can even freeze individual frosted slices, which come in handy for impromptu celebrations (or midnight dessert cravings)!

Reheating

For the softest crumb, allow refrigerated or frozen slices to come up to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes before eating. If you want your Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to taste like it’s just been made, you can give each slice a quick five-second zap in the microwave for heavenly, bakery-fresh results.

FAQs

What makes this cake “velvet”?

The “velvet” name comes from its incredibly soft, moist, and tender crumb, thanks to the combination of buttermilk, oil, and just a touch of cocoa powder in the batter. It’s that unique velvet cake texture that’s both light and decadent at the same time!

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is highly recommended for Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting because it delivers bright, saturated color without thinning the batter. If you only have liquid coloring, you may need quite a bit more to reach a vibrant shade, so be careful not to add too much liquid overall.

Why is my cream cheese frosting runny?

If your frosting feels too loose, it could be that the cream cheese or butter was too warm. Pop your bowl in the fridge for 15–20 minutes, then re-beat until it firms up. Adding a little extra powdered sugar can also help thicken the texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients work naturally in gluten-free baking, so everyone can enjoy a slice of Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

What’s the best way to get neat, beautiful slices?

For the cleanest cut, chill your finished cake for at least an hour so the frosting firms up. Use a long, sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices. Every slice will reveal those gorgeous purple layers and creamy white frosting, ready to impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is like unwrapping a little bit of magic in your own kitchen. It’s a conversation starter, a party centerpiece, and a sweet bite of happiness all rolled into one. Give it a try and let the rich flavor and show-stopping color bring some extra joy to your next celebration!

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