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Purple Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This stunning Purple Velvet Cake is rich, moist, and eye-catching, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements its vibrant layers.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg Use room temperature for better mixing
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons purple food coloring Add more for a deeper color
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the purple food coloring until the mixture looks vibrant.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
  2. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top, then frost the top and sides with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  3. Garnish as desired; pecans, sprinkles or edible flowers make lovely decorations!

Notes

For the best texture, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Can be frozen for up to three months.