Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting – Vibrant, Moist & Decadent

Adam

Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting – Vibrant, Moist & Decadent

A stunning twist on a classic, this soft purple velvet cake is layered with silky white chocolate cream cheese frosting for a showstopping dessert that tastes as magical as it looks. 🎉 Introduction Why settle for red velvet when you can go boldly purple? This Purple Velvet Cake has everything you love about classic velvet cakes—moist, tender crumb, rich cocoa flavor—plus a gorgeous purple hue that’s perfect for special occasions. The creamy, dreamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level, adding sweetness and tangy richness for a cake that’s both striking and irresistibly delicious. 💜✨

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings: 14 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

🍰 Purple Velvet Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
2 large eggs at room temperature
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp purple food coloring
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract

🍫 White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1 lb cream cheese softened
2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
8 oz white chocolate melted and slightly cooled (not listed but essential for white chocolate cream cheese frosting)

Equipment

2 or 3 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans
Electric mixer (stand or hand)
Mixing bowls (large & medium)
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Offset spatula
Parchment pape

Method

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease pans, line bottoms with parchment, and grease again.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing with an electric mixer on low just until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy (~2 minutes).
Pour in melted, cooled white chocolate; beat until incorporated.
Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating on low at first, then high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread frosting evenly on top.
Repeat with remaining layers.
Frost sides and top of cake; smooth with an offset spatula.
Decorate with sprinkles, purple sugar, or white chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake tins for 18–22 minutes

Blue Velvet: Replace purple food coloring with blue for a blue velvet twist

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers

Extra Chocolatey: Add ½ cup mini white chocolate chips to the batter

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Keep covered up to 1 day

Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Freezer: Freeze frosted or unfrosted layers, wrapped well, up to 2 months; thaw overnight

❓ 10 FAQs
Can I skip red food coloring?
No—red + purple gives the vibrant purple shade.

Do I have to use buttermilk?
Yes—it adds classic velvet texture, but you can make a substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I use gel food coloring?
Yes—gel gives intense color with less liquid.

What cocoa powder works best?
Natural unsweetened cocoa for classic flavor.

Do I need to sift powdered sugar?
Yes—makes frosting smooth and lump-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?
It’s challenging; try dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I bake in one tall pan?
Not recommended; cake may not bake evenly.

What white chocolate should I use?
Real white chocolate bars, not chips, melt smoother.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge; bring to room temp before serving.

🏁 Conclusion
This Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic. Moist, tender, and topped with rich, creamy frosting—each bite is as magical as it is delicious. Perfect for birthdays, showers, or anytime you want a showstopper cake! 💜🎂