Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just because, this cake is sure to impress! Pair it with a luscious cream cheese frosting or a light vanilla buttercream for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon purple gel food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Delicious!):
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
Add the purple gel food coloring, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine & Mix the Batter
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Divide the batter evenly between the cake 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 transfer to a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 7: Assemble & Decorate
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly over the top.
Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
Decorate with sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or fresh berries!
Notes
How to Store & Freeze Cake
Storing Leftovers:
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions:
Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.