If you adore cakes that are as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat, you are going to love this Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake perfectly balances a rich, moist crumb with the unique, jewel-toned purple hue that catches every eye in the room. Topped with a luxuriously smooth and tangy white chocolate cream cheese frosting, it’s an irresistible treat that feels both elegant and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that will enchant everyone lucky enough to have a slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a cake bursting with flavor, texture, and amazing color. Each ingredient is essential, whether it’s providing moisture, lift, or that unforgettable purple hue.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cake’s tender crumb and structure.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds subtle depth and a hint of rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the purple tones.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweeter sweetness to balance the cocoa and give that delightful cake taste.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps your cake rise beautifully to a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to perfect the crumb and keep it tender.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, preventing dryness.
- 4 large eggs: Provide richness and bind all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tangy moisture and reacts with baking soda for a lift.
- 2 tbsp purple gel food coloring: The star ingredient for that vivid purple velvet look that’s so magical.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (for frosting): Melts into a sweet, creamy component for the frosting.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease and flour two round cake pans thoroughly; this prep step will guarantee your cakes release easily and maintain their perfect shape.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients is what gives your cake its structure and subtle chocolate undertone, setting the stage for the vivid purple color to shine.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the granulated sugar with vegetable oil until well combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to build a smooth, rich mixture. Follow this by adding the buttermilk and the purple gel food coloring—this step is what transforms your cake from ordinary to extraordinary!
Step 4: Bring Batter Together
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender and light.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to test doneness—it should come out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Melt the white chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring continuously to prevent burning, until smooth and glossy. In a bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then gently fold in the melted white chocolate until fully incorporated. This frosting is rich yet wonderfully creamy, with just the right amount of tang.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Generously frost the cooled cake layers with the white chocolate cream cheese frosting. Be sure to spread it evenly and don’t be shy with the frosting—it’s a big part of why this cake tastes so irresistible!
How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by adding edible flowers, a sprinkle of purple sugar crystals, or fresh berries on top. These touches not only make your cake look professionally finished but also add a burst of fresh flavor alongside the creamy frosting.
Side Dishes
Serving this cake with a side of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes the indulgence up a notch. Additionally, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a floral tea complements the rich flavors beautifully and balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into small squares for a buffet or party setting, creating an inviting and easy-to-serve display. Alternatively, use cake stands and tiered platters to showcase the cake’s vibrant color and luscious frosting, making it the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh and the frosting creamy. It should stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this delight well past your initial baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then frost as usual for a fresh-from-the-oven taste months later!
Reheating
Since this cake is moist and best served cool, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer the cake slightly warmed, a few seconds in the microwave will do, just avoid heating the frosting to keep its texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
You can, but gel food coloring is preferred because it provides a more intense, vibrant color without adding extra liquid, which can affect the cake’s texture.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate chips, along with a suitable milk alternative for the buttermilk substitution.
How do I prevent the cake from being dry?
Using vegetable oil as the fat instead of butter helps keep the cake moist. Make sure not to overbake and always check the cake a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Can I add flavor variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract is a great addition to the batter, and you can also infuse the frosting with a bit of lemon zest or lavender for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
This Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a treasure worth baking again and again. Its captivating color and dreamy frosting make every bite feel special, perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
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Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A striking Purple Velvet Cake featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with vibrant purple gel food coloring, rich cocoa, and buttermilk, topped with a luscious white chocolate cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness and tang perfectly. This cake serves 12 and is ideal for special occasions or whenever you want a visually stunning and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp purple gel food coloring
White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two round cake pans to ensure the cakes do not stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vegetable oil, mixing until well integrated. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, stir in the buttermilk followed by the purple gel food coloring to achieve the vibrant color.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool completely in their pans before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Melt the white chocolate chips in intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. In a bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually add the melted white chocolate and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread the white chocolate cream cheese frosting generously over one cake layer, stack the second layer on top, and finish frosting the top and sides to your desired coverage.
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes.
- Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for a more vibrant color without altering batter consistency.
- This cake is best served chilled and stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
- For easier frosting application, chill the cake layers briefly before frosting.
