Introduction to Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
A bold twist on a classic, this Royal Purple Velvet Cake is as eye-catching as it is delicious. Featuring a moist, cocoa-kissed crumb and vivid purple hue, it’s a showstopper for birthdays, showers, or any festive occasion. The creamy vanilla frosting brings balance and elegance, spreading smoothly over layers of vibrant cake like a crown. It’s rich, soft, and just whimsical enough to steal the spotlight.
Why You’ll Love This Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Striking color and classic red velvet flavor.
Perfectly moist and layered with velvety frosting.
A celebration cake that stands out.
Easy to make, stunning to serve.
Ideal for themed parties or standout bakes.
Ingredients for Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Think of these as the tools in your flavor toolbox—ready to get started?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that tender crumb.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents work together to give your cake a light, fluffy rise.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness without overpowering the flavor.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the cake, making it super soft.
Large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding moisture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Just a touch for depth, giving the cake a hint of chocolate flavor.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, aromatic sweetness.
Purple food coloring: The star of the show! It gives the cake its royal hue. You can use gel or liquid.
White vinegar: This might seem odd, but it reacts with the baking soda to create a lighter texture.
For the frosting:
Unsalted butter: The base for your creamy frosting, providing a rich flavor.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth, spreadable consistency.
Vanilla extract: Just like in the cake, it adds a lovely flavor to the frosting.
Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency, making it fluffy and easy to spread.
For those looking to switch things up, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting for a delightful twist. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Creating the Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting is a delightful journey. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning cake that tastes as good as it looks. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step is crucial; it prevents your cake from sticking and makes for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This mixture forms the foundation of your cake, so take your time to get it right.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, purple food coloring, and white vinegar until smooth. The vibrant purple hue will start to emerge, and the combination of flavors will make your taste buds tingle with anticipation.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential; frosting a warm cake can lead to a melty mess.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. This will be the base of your creamy vanilla frosting, so make sure it’s nice and smooth.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake, making it look as beautiful as it tastes. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t skip the vinegar; it helps create a lighter texture.
Check your cake for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
For a fun twist, add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosted cake.
Equipment Needed
9-inch round cake pans: Essential for baking your cake layers. If you don’t have these, use square pans instead.
Mixing bowls: A couple of these will help keep your ingredients organized.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients. A fork can work in a pinch.
Electric mixer: Ideal for frosting. A hand whisk can also do the job, but it’ll take longer.
Cooling rack: Helps cakes cool evenly. If you don’t have one, a plate will suffice.
Variations of Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Red Velvet Twist: Swap the purple food coloring for red to create a classic red velvet cake. The flavor remains rich and delightful.
Chocolate Lovers: Increase the cocoa powder to 3 tablespoons for a more intense chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla frosting.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter for a delicious vegan-friendly cake.
Fruit Infusion: Add a cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist that complements the cake’s richness.
Serving Suggestions for Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Pair with Coffee: A rich cup of coffee enhances the cake’s flavors beautifully.
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
Elegant Presentation: Garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning look.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream makes for a delightful combination.
FAQs about Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whip before using.
What can I substitute for buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk replacement!
How do I store leftover cake? Store any leftover Royal Purple Velvet Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
What’s the best way to achieve a vibrant purple color? Using gel food coloring will give you the most vibrant hue. Start with a tablespoon and add more if needed until you reach your desired shade. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
Final Thoughts
Creating the Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting is more than just baking; it’s an experience filled with joy and creativity. Each slice reveals a beautiful color and a rich flavor that brings smiles to faces. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Royal Purple Velvet Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting delights your taste buds with its rich flavor and stunning color.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon purple food coloring (gel or liquid)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–4 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, purple food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting.
You can also substitute the purple food coloring with red or blue for a different color effect.
For a fun twist, add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosted cake.
