Go Back

Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls For combining wet and dry ingredients separately
  • Electric mixer A stand or hand mixer helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy frosting
  • Cake pans (2x 9-inch round) The standard size for even layers. Use a single larger pan if you prefer a sheet cake
  • Cooling rack Essential for preventing the cake from becoming soggy after baking
  • Offset spatula Helps spread the frosting smoothly

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp purple gel food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. In a separate large bowl, mix the sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and vinegar. Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. Stir in the purple food coloring until the batter is a deep, vibrant shade.
    mixing bowl filled with a combination of flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda

Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

  1. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first, then increasing to medium. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
    softened cream cheese and butter being beaten together

Assemble and Decorate

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the entire cake evenly. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth or swirled velvet cake design. For extra elegance, decorate with edible pearls, fresh berries, or gold leaf.