Hello, Good News! If you are looking for a way to impress your guests with a stunning dessert, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make a purple velvet cake that is moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Purple velvet cake is a variation of the classic red velvet cake, but with a twist of purple food coloring and blueberry flavor. It is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a birthday, a wedding, or just a treat for yourself.
But what makes a purple velvet cake so special? How do you achieve that rich purple color and that velvety texture? What are the best ingredients and tools to use? And how do you decorate your cake to make it look like a masterpiece? Don’t worry, we have all the answers for you. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about purple velvet cake, from the ingredients and equipment, to the recipe and tips, to the FAQs and more. By the end of this article, you will be able to make your own purple velvet cake that will wow everyone who sees and tastes it. So let’s get started!
What You Need to Make a Purple Velvet Cake
Ingredients
The ingredients for a purple velvet cake are similar to those for a red velvet cake, but with some modifications. Here is what you will need:
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup of buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- Purple gel food coloring (we recommend using Wilton or Americolor brands)
- 1/4 cup of blueberry jam or puree
For the cream cheese frosting, you will need:
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Purple gel food coloring (optional)
Equipment
The equipment for making a purple velvet cake is pretty standard for any cake baking. Here is what you will need:
- A 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or a whisk
- A rubber spatula
- A wire rack
- A serrated knife (if making a layer cake)
- A cake stand or a serving plate
- A piping bag and a star tip (optional)
- Fresh blueberries and edible flowers (optional)
How to Make a Purple Velvet Cake: Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan(s)
The first step in making a purple velvet cake is to preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your pan(s). If you are using a 9×13 inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. If you are using two 9-inch round cake pans, do the same for both pans. This will prevent your cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove later.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
The next step is to whisk together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You will need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them well until they are combined and set aside.
Step 3: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. You want to beat them until they are light and fluffy, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes. This will help your cake rise and have a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, One at a Time
Next, you will need to add 4 eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as you go. This will ensure that your batter is smooth and even.
Step 5: Add the Buttermilk, Vanilla, Vinegar, Food Coloring, and Blueberry Jam
Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients that will give your cake its flavor and color. You will need 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, purple gel food coloring, and 1/4 cup of blueberry jam or puree. Add them to the batter and mix well until everything is combined.
The buttermilk will add moisture and tanginess to your cake, while the vanilla will enhance the flavor. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and create bubbles that will make your cake rise and have a soft texture. The purple gel food coloring will give your cake its vibrant color, while the blueberry jam will add a subtle fruity flavor.
When adding the food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually increase it until you reach your desired shade of purple. You can use a toothpick or a skewer to add the food coloring to the batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter or you may end up with a tough cake.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan(s) and Bake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan(s) and spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. If you are using two round cake pans, divide the batter equally between them. Tap the pan(s) lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake your cake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you are using two round cake pans, you may need to rotate them halfway through for even baking.
Step 7: Let the Cake Cool Completely
When your cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan(s) for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack and peel off the parchment paper if you used any. Let your cake cool completely before frosting or cutting it.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake is cooling, you can make the cream cheese frosting that will go on top of it. You will need 16 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. You can also add some purple gel food coloring if you want to match the color of your cake.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat together the cream cheese and butter until they are smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until they are well combined and fluffy. If you are using food coloring, add it little by little until you reach your desired shade of purple.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate Your Cake
Now that your cake and frosting are ready, you can frost and decorate your cake as you like. If you are using a 9×13 inch baking pan, you can simply spread the frosting over the top of your cake with a rubber spatula or an offset spatula. If you are using two round cake pans, you will need to level your cakes with a serrated knife first. Then, place one cake layer on a cake stand or a serving plate and spread some frosting over it. Place the other cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with frosting.
You can also pipe some swirls or rosettes on top of your cake with a piping bag and a star tip if you want to make it more fancy. You can also garnish your cake with some fresh blueberries and edible flowers if you have them.
A Detailed Table Breakdown Related to Purple Velvet Cake
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (1 slice) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 520 | |
| Fat | 28 g (43% DV) | |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g (85% DV) | |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg (43% DV) | |
| Sodium | 390 mg (16% DV) | |
| Carbohydrate | 66 g (22% DV) | |
| Fiber | 1 g (4% DV) | |
| Sugar | 51 g | |
| Protein | 7 g (14% DV) | |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV | |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV | |
| Calcium | 8% DV | |
| Iron | 10% DV |