Description

A luscious twist on the classic red velvet, this moist purple velvet cake is rich with cocoa, vibrantly colored with natural beet or ube hues, and topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave something uniquely beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tbsp purple food coloring (or 2 tbsp beet juice or ube extract)

1 tsp white vinegar

2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth and combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually add powdered sugar until you reach the desired sweetness and consistency.
Once the cake layers are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Notes

Natural coloring options: Beet juice or ube extract can be used to achieve the purple hue naturally.

Frosting twist: For a lighter frosting, try making a whipped cream cheese frosting by adding whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture.

Flavored cake: Add other flavorings like almond or lemon zest to complement the richness of the cocoa and vanilla.

To store: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg