Purple Velvet Cake: How to Make It Simple & Delicious

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Have you ever wanted to bake a cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious? This purple velvet cake is the perfect blend of elegance and rich flavor, with a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth. If you love the classic red velvet cake, this version offers the same velvety crumb with a unique purple color that makes it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a special treat.

With its subtle cocoa flavor, balanced sweetness, and a luscious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress. Whether you’re a new cake baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe keeps things simple and approachable, guiding you through every step with ease.

Let’s dive into making a purple velvet cake with white chocolate frosting that looks as amazing as it tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This purple velvet cake is more than just a visually stunning dessert it’s a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and elegance. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake stands out with its rich purple color and moist, tender crumb. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Soft & Velvety Texture – Inspired by classic red velvet cake, this recipe delivers a perfectly soft, fluffy crumb with a hint of cocoa.
Easy to Make – With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Rich, Balanced Flavor – The mild chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with buttermilk and a touch of vinegar, creating a moist, flavorful cake that isn’t overly sweet.
Luscious White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting – The smooth and creamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish, complementing the cake’s slight tanginess.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re baking a four-layered cake for a special event or making purple velvet cupcakes, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize.

If you’ve ever struggled to get the right shade of purple in a cake, this recipe offers tips to achieve rich purple hues without overpowering the flavor. Plus, you’ll learn how to balance moisture, structure, and sweetness to ensure the cake comes out perfect every time.

Ready to bake? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a perfect purple velvet cake with a soft, velvety texture and rich flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the signature moist crumb and vibrant purple color.

For the Cake Layers:

2⅛ cups (266g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the cake light.
¼ cup (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a subtle chocolatey flavor without overpowering the cake’s signature taste.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the vinegar to enhance fluffiness.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
8 tablespoons (4oz) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a tender crumb.
1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture.
2 large eggs, room temperature – Ensures a smooth batter and stable structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.
1 cup buttermilk – Creates the classic tangy and moist texture found in velvet cakes.
1 teaspoon white vinegar – Reacts with the baking soda for a fluffy, tender crumb.
Purple gel food coloring – Achieves that beautiful rich purple shade without affecting taste.

For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (226g) white chocolate – Brings a smooth, creamy richness.
12 ounces (340g) cream cheese, softened – Adds a tangy contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
6 ounces (170g) unsalted butter, softened – Ensures a silky, spreadable consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the white chocolate.
Purple gel food coloring (optional) – If you want to add a touch of purple to the frosting.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

Flour: If you prefer a lighter cake, substitute cake flour for a more delicate crumb.
Cocoa Powder: Use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed to maintain the right acidity balance.
Food Coloring: Purple gel food coloring works best for vibrant color. Liquid dyes can affect consistency, so use sparingly.
Buttermilk Alternative: No buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

By using these carefully selected ingredients, you’ll achieve a moist, rich purple velvet cake with a deliciously smooth frosting that complements every bite. Ready to bake? Let’s move on to the instructions!

Instructions

Baking this purple velvet cake is a rewarding experience, and with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll achieve a moist, fluffy cake with a gorgeous rich purple color. Follow along for a smooth and stress-free baking process!

A step-by-step visual guide to making purple velvet cake, from preparing ingredients and mixing the batter to baking and frosting the final cake.

Step 1: Prep the Cake Pans & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper. Grease the paper as well, then dust lightly with cocoa powder for an extra smooth release.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps keep the batter light and airy while preventing lumps.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until it turns light and fluffy.
Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for 1-2 minutes until well combined. This step ensures the cake has a soft, tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for one minute after each to ensure proper incorporation and a stable batter.
Mix in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

Step 5: Create the Buttermilk Mixture

In a separate measuring cup, combine buttermilk, white vinegar, and purple gel food coloring. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating a fluffy texture, while the food coloring gives the cake its signature deep purple hue.

Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk mixture in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients, stirring only until just combined to maintain a light texture. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in a dense cake.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, ensuring a smooth, level surface.
Lightly tap each pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Place the pans in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 22-25 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
Take the cakes out of the oven and let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before applying frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and melted white chocolate, blending until smooth and luscious.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish or decorative swirls.
For an extra pop of purple color, tint some frosting with purple gel food coloring and add decorative piping.

Now you have a beautifully moist purple velvet cake with a silky white chocolate cream cheese frosting! Ready to serve? Check out the serving suggestions next.

Pro Tips and Variations

Baking the perfect purple velvet cake is all about technique and the right balance of ingredients. Follow these expert tips to ensure a moist, fluffy cake with a rich purple color and smooth white chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Pro Tips for the Best Purple Velvet Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold butter, eggs, and buttermilk won’t mix properly, leading to a dense cake. Let everything come to room temperature before baking.
Sift the Dry Ingredients
This step aerates the flour and cocoa powder, making the cake lighter and fluffier. It also helps prevent clumps in the batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, velvety texture.
Get the Perfect Purple Color
- Gel food coloring works best since it’s concentrated and won’t alter the cake’s consistency.
- Start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve the desired rich purple shade.
- If the batter was purple but baked brown, add a touch more color next time.
Tap the Cake Pans Before Baking
Give the filled pans a couple of gentle taps on the counter to release air bubbles. This ensures an even crumb.
Test for Doneness the Right Way
Start checking the cake at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Overbaking leads to dryness.

Variations to Try

Make It a Four-Layered Cake
Instead of two layers, slice each cake in half to create a four-layered cake for an even more impressive look.
Try a Different Frosting
- Swap the white chocolate cream cheese frosting for a classic buttercream if you prefer a simpler option.
- For a less sweet finish, try a traditional ermine icing (flour-based frosting).
Add a Bit of Crunch
Sprinkle chopped nuts between the layers or top the cake with white chocolate shavings for added texture.
Make Purple Velvet Cupcakes
Turn this recipe into batch of cupcakes by dividing the batter into a lined muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.

With these tips and variations, you can confidently customize your purple velvet cake while ensuring a beautiful, moist, and delicious result every time!

Serving Suggestions

Once your purple velvet cake is beautifully frosted and ready to serve, it’s time to think about presentation and pairings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a homemade treat, these serving ideas will make every bite even more delightful.

A beautifully decorated purple velvet cake with smooth lavender frosting, topped with fresh strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and decorative piped swirls. A slice is cut out, revealing the rich purple layers inside.

How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake

At Room Temperature – Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. This allows the frosting to soften slightly, making each bite smooth and creamy.
Slice with a Warm Knife – For clean, sharp slices, dip a knife in warm water, wipe it dry, and cut through the cake. Repeat between slices for a picture-perfect presentation.
Garnish for Extra Elegance – Elevate your cake with:
- White chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- Edible flowers for a sophisticated touch

Best Drinks to Pair with Purple Velvet Cake

Coffee or Espresso – The slight bitterness balances the cake’s sweetness.
Milk or Hot Chocolate – A comforting pairing that enhances the cake’s chocolatey undertones.
Berry-Infused Iced Tea – A refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.
Vanilla Almond Milk – A dairy-free option that complements the flavors beautifully.

Occasions Perfect for This Cake

Birthdays & Special Celebrations – The unique rich purple hue makes it a standout centerpiece.
Holidays & Gatherings – Impress guests with a cake that’s both elegant and delicious.
Weddings & Baby Showers – A fun twist on the traditional red velvet cake, perfect for themed parties.

With the right presentation and pairings, your purple velvet cake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting will be the highlight of any occasion!

Conclusion

Baking a purple velvet cake is more than just making a dessert it’s about creating a visually stunning, deliciously moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich purple color, velvety texture, and luscious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress family and friends.

By following the step-by-step instructions, using the right ingredients, and applying a few pro baking tips, you’ll achieve a cake that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Whether you’re a new cake baker or an experienced home chef, this recipe is designed to be simple, foolproof, and rewarding.

Now it’s your turn! Try this purple velvet cake and let us know how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? Share your photos, tips, or variations in the comments. Happy baking!

purple velvet cake

Cherish

Bake a delicious purple velvet cake with a moist, fluffy texture and white chocolate cream cheese frosting. A stunning dessert for any special occasion!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 420 kcal