Did you know a purple velvet cake has 519 calories per serving? This vibrant cake is not just a feast for the eyes. It’s also a decadent treat for the taste buds. I’m excited to guide you through creating this show-stopping dessert.
In this guide, I’ll share my cake baking tips. We’ll make a moist cake recipe that’s both delicious and visually stunning. We’ll cover everything you need to know about making a purple velvet cake.
Get ready for a baking adventure with rich flavors and a striking purple hue. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to cake decorating, this article will help you. You’ll learn to create a purple velvet masterpiece that serves 12 and takes about 5 hours to make.
Introduction to Purple Velvet Cake
Purple velvet cake is a modern twist on the classic red velvet cake. It comes from the Southern United States’ velvet cake traditions. This dessert combines rich flavors with a striking purple color, impressing everyone.
History and Origin
The velvet cake recipe started in the late 19th century. Red velvet cake became famous for its bright color, thanks to cocoa, buttermilk, and vinegar. Purple velvet cake is a new take on this classic, with a fresh twist.
Differences from Red Velvet
Red and purple velvet cakes share similar ingredients. But, the main difference is in the coloring. Red velvet uses red food coloring, while purple velvet uses purple. Purple velvet needs more coloring to get its unique shade.
| Feature | Red Velvet | Purple Velvet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Color | Red | Purple |
| Food Coloring | 2 tbsp red | 2 tbsp red + 1 tsp purple |
| Cocoa Powder | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
Why Choose Purple Velvet Cake
Purple velvet cake is a unique twist on a classic dessert. Its vibrant color is perfect for special occasions or adding whimsy to your baking. If you know how to make red velvet, you’ll find purple velvet easy to make.
Essential Ingredients for Purple Velvet Cake
To make a tasty purple velvet cake, you need both dry and wet ingredients. I’ll tell you what’s needed for the perfect taste and texture.
Dry Ingredients List
The cake’s base is 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. It gives the cake its shape. We also add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness.
1 tsp of baking soda helps it rise, and 1 tsp of salt brings out the flavors. A special ingredient is 1 tsp of cocoa powder, which deepens the taste.
Wet Ingredients List
For the wet mix, we use 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil to keep it moist. One cup of buttermilk at room temperature adds softness. Two large eggs, also at room temperature, help everything stick together.
We add 1 tsp of vanilla extract for a nice smell and 1 tsp of white distilled vinegar to make the baking soda work.
Purple Food Coloring Options
To get that bright purple color, we’ll use 1 tsp or more of purple food coloring. How much you use depends on how dark you want the color. You can also try using purple yam powder for a natural look.
Cream Cheese Frosting Components
The frosting is made with 1 pound of softened cream cheese and 2 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature. We also add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 4 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | Structure |
| Cocoa powder | 1 tsp | Flavor depth |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | Leavening |
| Vegetable oil | 1 1/2 cups | Moisture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Aroma |
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
I’ve baked many cakes and learned the importance of the right tools. To make your perfect purple velvet cake, you’ll need some key items. Let’s look at the must-haves for your baking journey.
Start by getting three 9-inch round cake pans. These are key for even layers. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. You’ll also need large bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
A whisk and a hand mixer or stand mixer are essential for a smooth batter. You’ll also need a spatula or cake knife for frosting and a wire rack for cooling. A cake stand or serving plate will show off your masterpiece. A food scale helps with precise measurements.
| Essential Equipment | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch round cake pans | 3 | Baking cake layers |
| KitchenAid stand mixer | 1 | Mixing batter and frosting |
| Wire cooling rack | 1 | Cooling cake layers |
| Ateco straight spatula (8-inch) | 1 | Frosting application |
| Revolving cake turntable | 1 | Even frosting distribution |
If you want to improve your cake decorating, think about getting offset spatulas and piping bags. These tools can help you make amazing designs. With these supplies, you’re ready to make your purple velvet cake with confidence.
Step-by-Step Preparation Process
Let’s start making your purple velvet cake! I’ll show you each step for a perfect cake. We’ll mix the batter, get the purple color, bake, cool, and layer.
Mixing the Batter
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix your dry ingredients. In another, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add a large egg, then mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately.
This way, you avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Achieving the Perfect Purple Color
For a deep purple, use gel-based food coloring. It keeps the batter smooth. Start with a little and add more until it’s the right shade. The color will get deeper when it bakes.
Baking Temperature and Timing
Pour the batter into two 9-inch pans, filling them 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.
Rotate the pans halfway for even baking.
Cooling and Layering Tips
After baking, let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is key for cake layers that won’t crumble when frosted.
Once they’re cool, you can start assembling your beautiful purple velvet cake!
Creating the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
No purple velvet cake is complete without a luscious cream cheese frosting. I’ll show you how to make a smooth, tangy topping that complements the cake’s rich purple hue. The secret is using cream cheese softened to room temperature.
Begin by mixing 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with 8 ounces of unsalted butter until it’s creamy. Then, add 36 ounces of powdered sugar slowly, beating until it’s smooth. Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor. But, be careful not to overmix.
To get a rich purple frosting, add a few drops of purple food coloring. Remember, a little goes a long way. Chill the frosting for about 5 minutes before using to make it easier to spread.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 16 oz (2 cups) | 92 kcal |
| Unsalted Butter | 8 oz (1 cup) | – |
| Powdered Sugar | 36 oz (8 cups) | – |
This recipe makes about 6 cups of frosting, enough to cover your purple velvet cake generously. Store any leftover frosting in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.
Cake Assembly and Decoration Techniques
Now that your purple velvet cake layers are ready, it’s time to have fun. We’ll cover layering, frosting, and decoration to make your cake look amazing.
Layering the Cake
Begin by placing a cake layer on a platter. Spread about 1 cup of cream cheese frosting on top. Then, add the second layer and repeat with frosting.
For a three-layer cake, add another layer and frosting. This makes your cake stable and ready for decoration.
Frosting Application Methods
First, apply a thin crumb coat to keep crumbs in. Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set. Then, use a spatula to spread the final frosting coat.
For a smooth finish, hold the spatula at a 45-degree angle and rotate the cake. For a rustic look, use swirling motions.
Decorative Finishing Touches
Here are some ideas to enhance your cake:
- Pipe rosettes or stars around the top edge using a piping bag
- Sprinkle edible lavender or purple sugar crystals
- Create an ombre effect by gradually lightening the frosting color
- Add fresh berries or edible flowers for a natural touch
Remember, practice makes perfect in cake decorating. Don’t be afraid to try different frosting techniques to find your style for purple velvet cakes.
Storage and Serving Recommendations
Keeping your purple velvet cake fresh and tasty is important. I’ll show you how to store and serve it right.
Proper Storage Methods
For a short time, keep your cake in a cool room with a cake saver. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it tightly covered. Always let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Serving Temperature
The perfect serving temperature for purple velvet cake is room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, take it out an hour before serving. This lets the cake soften and the flavors come out fully. For the best experience, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Shelf Life Guidelines
Your purple velvet cake can last up to 5 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cake layers for up to a month. If you’ve made cupcakes, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Cake Saver (Cool Room) | Up to 3 days | Room Temperature |
| Refrigerator (Tightly Covered) | Up to 5 days | Chilled |
| Freezer (Cake Layers) | Up to 1 month | Frozen |
By following these tips, your purple velvet cake will stay fresh and delicious. Whether you’re serving it right away or saving it for later, it will always be a hit.
Conclusion
I’ve shared my favorite purple velvet cake recipe, a twist on classic bakery recipes. This vibrant dessert serves 12 and takes just an hour to make. It’s rich, with 3 cups of flour and 1 ½ cups each of sugar and oil, making it 450 calories per serving.
The magic happens when you mix in 2 teaspoons of purple gel food coloring with 1 ½ cups of buttermilk. Don’t forget the 1/2 cup of softened butter for the frosting – it’s key for that creamy texture. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, then let it cool before frosting.
Experiment with cake flavor variations. Try adding fresh berries or swapping 1/2 cup of flour for cocoa powder. Remember, baking is all about precision and creativity. So grab your measuring cups and let’s create a purple masterpiece that’s sure to impress!
FAQ – Purple Velvet Cake
What makes purple velvet cake different from red velvet cake?
Purple velvet cake is a new take on the classic red velvet. The main difference is the color. Purple velvet uses purple food coloring or natural ingredients like purple yam powder. This gives it a unique purple look.
Can I use natural ingredients to achieve the purple color instead of food coloring?
Yes, you can use natural ingredients for purple. Purple yam powder is a great option. It gives a natural purple color. Blueberry or blackberry puree can also work, but they might change the taste a bit.
How do I prevent my purple velvet cake from turning brown while baking?
To keep the purple color, don’t overbake. Stick to the recommended baking time and temperature. Using gel food coloring helps keep the color bright during baking.
What’s the best frosting to use for a purple velvet cake?
Cream cheese frosting is the top choice for velvet cakes, including purple velvet. It has a tangy taste that goes well with the cake. Adding purple food coloring to the frosting can make it even more special.
How can I ensure my purple velvet cake stays moist?
To keep the cake moist, don’t overbake. Use buttermilk and vegetable oil in the recipe. After cooling, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Can I make purple velvet cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Absolutely! Purple velvet batter is perfect for cupcakes. Just bake them for 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
How long can I store a purple velvet cake?
You can store a frosted purple velvet cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free purple velvet cake. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just follow the substitution ratio recommended by the manufacturer.
Purple Velvet Cake
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp or more purple food coloring
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 lb 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks 8 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add eggs, then alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk while mixing.
- Stir in purple food coloring gradually to get the desired shade.
- Divide batter into two 9-inch cake pans, filling each 2/3 full.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For frosting, mix cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add confectioners’ sugar gradually and beat until creamy.
- Frost the cake, layering each tier with frosting and covering the exterior.
- Decorate as desired and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use gel-based food coloring for a richer purple hue.
- To maintain color, avoid overbaking and use the recommended baking temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze layers for up to 1 month.
