If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s both eye-catching and incredibly delicious, this Easy Purple Velvet Cake will quickly become your new go-to treat. Imagine two pillowy-soft layers of moist, buttery cake dyed a gorgeous shade of purple, all enveloped in billowy, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s festive enough for celebration yet simple enough for a weeknight bake. Each bite bursts with velvety goodness, and the vibrant color never fails to delight friends and family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Easy Purple Velvet Cake is how straightforward the ingredient list is—no hard-to-find items, just pantry staples and a hint of magic. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the richest flavor, the softest crumb, and that signature purple hue.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and that satisfyingly tender bite we all love in velvet cakes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it retain its softness and lightness.
- Baking soda: The essential leavening agent, ensuring your cake rises like a dream.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings a subtle cocoa note that enhances the velvet texture and color without overpowering the cake.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist for days and contributes to its ultra-tender crumb.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tang and reacts with the baking soda and vinegar for a fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness.
- White vinegar: Works with the buttermilk and baking soda for optimal rise and softness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Purple gel food coloring: The fun part! Adjust for your preferred shade of purple, from soft lavender to deep violet.
- Cream cheese (softened): The starring ingredient in our luscious frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures the cream cheese frosting is creamy, rich, and perfectly spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Complements the tang of the cream cheese and butter.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Just enough to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.
How to Make Easy Purple Velvet Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment circles. Setting yourself up right at the beginning helps guarantee those picture-perfect cake layers will slide out with ease later on.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and that touch of cocoa powder. This combination ensures a tender yet structured crumb, while the cocoa gives your cake just enough complexity and depth—without making it taste distinctly chocolaty.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Go for a smooth homogeneous mixture here, as this is the flavor base for our Easy Purple Velvet Cake and the start of its famous moistness.
Step 4: Add the Purple Magic
This is where the fun begins! Stir in the purple gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach your desired color. Whether you want a dreamy pastel purple or a striking deep violet, remember that the batter will bake slightly darker, so go a touch lighter than you ultimately want.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing gently after each addition until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overwork the batter—a light hand ensures that Easy Purple Velvet Cake has its famous tender crumb and velvety smooth texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whip until your frosting is cloud-like and irresistible—the perfect companion for Easy Purple Velvet Cake.
Step 8: Assemble Your Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate and spread a thick coat of frosting. Top with the second layer, then frost the top and sides generously. Smooth it out or go for dramatic swoops—this is your moment to shine.
Step 9: Decorate and Enjoy
Sprinkle with purple sprinkles, scatter edible flowers, or crown with fresh berries for a finishing touch. Each slice of Easy Purple Velvet Cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
How to Serve Easy Purple Velvet Cake
Garnishes
Elevate your Easy Purple Velvet Cake by adding garnishes that not only pop visually but also add layers of flavor and texture. Try decorating with a cascade of purple sprinkles, edible blooms, or a handful of ripe berries. These thoughtful touches bring even more joy and elegance to every slice.
Side Dishes
Turn this cake into an irresistible dessert spread by pairing it with light sides such as fresh mixed berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a refreshing fruit salad. A piping hot cup of coffee or herbal tea makes the perfect partner for a luscious slice of purple velvet delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your Easy Purple Velvet Cake into slim wedges and present on a tiered cake stand, or cut into cubes and serve as delightful cake bites. For an extra-special occasion, layer pieces in mason jars with swirls of frosting and berries for an individual treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Easy Purple Velvet Cake fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will remain moist and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, making it a lovely treat the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. If you’ve already frosted the cake, slice it and separate pieces with parchment paper, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so remove slices from the fridge 15-30 minutes before serving. While reheating isn’t usually necessary, a brief few seconds in the microwave can take the chill off for a just-baked feel.
FAQs
What makes Easy Purple Velvet Cake different from a classic red velvet cake?
The color is the main star here! Easy Purple Velvet Cake brings all the dreamy tenderness and subtle cocoa notes of red velvet, but with a vibrant purple twist. It tastes just as scrumptious, and its unique look makes it even more memorable.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is highly recommended because it gives a more vivid shade without thinning the batter. If you only have liquid coloring, you’ll need quite a bit more to achieve a similar hue, which may affect the cake’s texture slightly, but it’s certainly doable in a pinch.
Can I make Easy Purple Velvet Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The result is just as fluffy and beautiful, so everyone can enjoy a slice.
Why use buttermilk and vinegar in this recipe?
This classic duo reacts with the baking soda to produce an ultra-tender, light crumb. The tang from both also gives velvet cakes their signature slight tanginess and helps keep the crumb delicate and moist.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes! Spoon the batter into lined cupcake tins about two-thirds full, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll end up with about 24 spectacular Easy Purple Velvet Cake cupcakes!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about baking and enjoying an Easy Purple Velvet Cake—its soft, vibrant layers and creamy frosting never fail to light up a table and gather smiles. Give it a try, and let yourself be wowed by how easy, impressive, and absolutely delightful this cake can be!