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Decadent Royal Purple Velvet Cake – A Dessert to Impress

If you want a dessert that turns heads the moment it’s brought to the table, look no further than the Royal Purple Velvet Cake. This stunning creation is the vibrant cousin of the classic red velvet cake, delivering the same soft crumb and subtle cocoa flavor but in a rich jewel-toned purple that feels truly regal. The cake layers are incredibly moist thanks to buttermilk, perfectly balanced with just a hint of cocoa and vanilla. The vibrant purple hue, created with liquid food coloring, makes it ideal for weddings, birthdays, themed parties, or any special event where presentation matters. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake doesn’t just look luxurious—it tastes divine. Whether you’re baking to celebrate or simply to impress, this purple velvet masterpiece promises both beauty and flavor in every slice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
bake & Frosting & Assembly time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Products:
  • 4 large eggs
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups fine flour all-purpose or cake flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 dash purple liquid food coloring
  • 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Oils & Vinegars:
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Dairy Products:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter for cake batter
  • 8 oz unsalted butter for frosting
  • 1⅓ cups buttermilk
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large, medium, small)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Three 8-inch round cake pans (or two 9-inch pans)
  • Parchment paper (for lining pans)
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)
  • Sifter (for cocoa powder & powdered sugar)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Pans & Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4: Add the Color & Flavor
  1. Mix in vanilla extract and purple food coloring until evenly combined. Adjust color as desired for a vibrant hue.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
  1. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with flour.
  2. Stir in white vinegar for extra tenderness.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
  1. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. Beat 8 oz unsalted butter with cream cheese until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  3. Mix in remaining vanilla extract.
  4. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble & Frost
  1. Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate.
  2. Spread frosting evenly over the top.
  3. Add the second layer, frost again, and repeat with the third layer.
  4. Cover the top and sides with remaining frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula.
Step 9: Decorate
  1. Optional: Garnish with edible gold flakes, purple sprinkles, or piped rosettes for an extra regal look.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
Reheating:
Not needed—serve at room temperature for best flavor.
🥄 Variations
Ombre Effect: Use varying amounts of purple food coloring in each layer.
Chocolate Purple Velvet: Increase cocoa powder to 4 tablespoons for deeper cocoa flavor.
Berry Infusion: Add blueberry or blackberry puree to the batter for a fruity twist.
Layer with Jam: Spread raspberry or cherry jam between cake layers before frosting.
Whipped Cream Frosting: Swap cream cheese frosting for a lighter whipped topping.
Mini Cakes: Bake in smaller pans for individual servings.
Marble Effect: Swirl in white or lavender batter for a marble look.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes—gel is more concentrated, so use less for the same vibrant effect.
2. Can I make this without food coloring?
Yes—the flavor remains the same, though the visual impact will differ.
3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes—bake for 18–20 minutes instead of full cake layers.
5. How do I keep the cake moist?
Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container.
6. Can I make the frosting ahead?
Yes—store in the fridge for up to 3 days and bring to room temp before using.
7. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
It’s possible, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
8. How do I make the color brighter?
Add coloring in small amounts until desired intensity is reached.
9. Can I freeze the fully assembled cake?
Yes—freeze uncovered until firm, then wrap tightly.
10. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
🏁 Conclusion
The Royal Purple Velvet Cake is the ultimate statement dessert—soft, moist, cocoa-kissed cake layers dressed in regal purple and crowned with creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a themed celebration, an elegant dinner, or just to wow your guests, this cake is as unforgettable as it is delicious.