Go Back

PURPLE VELVET CAKE RECIPE

Sana Umer
Purple Velvet Cake is a soft, vibrant twist on the classic red velvet. With its rich vanilla-chocolate flavour and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any colourful celebration.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Celebration Cake
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Purple gel food coloring as needed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter & Sugar:

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

Add Wet Ingredients:

  • Mix in buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and enough purple gel food colouring to reach your desired shade.

Combine & Bake:

  • Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide batter between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make Frosting:

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.

Assemble Cake:

  • Frost between layers, then cover the top and sides. Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Notes

  • Colour Tip: Use gel food colouring for a deep purple without thinning the batter.
  • Layer Variation: Make it a three-layer cake by using three 8-inch pans and adjusting bake time.
  • Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Wrap unfrosted cake layers and freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Flavour Twist: Add a hint of almond or lemon extract for a flavour boost.
Keyword celebration cake, colourful cake, cream cheese frosting, velvet cake recipe