If you have a flair for colorful desserts and crave something uniquely delightful, this Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a showstopper that you simply must try. With its rich, velvety texture and stunning purple hue, this cake brings a vibrant twist to classic velvet cakes. Paired with a luscious white chocolate cream cheese frosting, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will surely make your celebrations unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and sensational flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the cake’s moist texture, achieving that eye-catching purple color, or creating the frosting’s buttery smoothness.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The cake’s foundation, providing structure and tenderness.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds subtle depth and richness without overpowering.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping with moisture retention.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Leavens the cake for a light, airy crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure optimal rise and tenderness.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and gives it that luxurious velvet texture.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute richness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings tang and moisture, reacting with leaveners for fluffiness.
- 2 tbsp purple gel food coloring: Creates the gorgeous purple tone that makes this cake pop.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (for frosting): Melted for a creamy, sweet frosting base.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the frosting its classic tangy creaminess.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the get-go. While the oven warms, grease and flour two round cake pans. This step is vital to prevent sticking while giving the cakes a flawless exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is where the cake’s structure and subtle chocolate undertones come from. Whisking breaks up any clumps, ensuring a smooth batter later.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and vegetable oil until fully combined. Adding eggs one at a time helps the mixture emulsify nicely, giving your cake a richer texture. Then, stir in the buttermilk and purple gel food coloring. The buttermilk adds moisture and tang, while the gel gives that vibrant purple brilliance.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a denser cake, so aim for a smooth batter with no dry streaks but don’t overwork it.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting later.
Step 6: Make the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Start by melting the white chocolate chips slowly in intervals, stirring often to prevent burning. Once smooth, whip your softened cream cheese until fluffy, then gently fold in the melted white chocolate. This combination creates a heavenly, silky frosting with just the right hint of sweetness and tang.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble the Cake
Generously frost the cooled cake layers with the white chocolate cream cheese frosting. The creamy frosting not only tastes amazing but also provides a beautiful contrast to the purple cake. Stack the layers carefully, and spread frosting all over for a smooth, elegant finish.
How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of pizzazz, consider topping your cake with edible flowers, fresh berries, or a light sprinkle of white chocolate shavings. These garnishes complement the cake’s flavors and make the presentation irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled milk. For a more elaborate pairing, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or light whipped cream to balance the cake’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try displaying single slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of berry coulis or a dollop of extra frosting. Layer the cake on a cake stand for elegant gatherings or cut into bite-sized squares for parties. The purple color always makes a bold statement wherever it appears!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and the cake moist, allowing you to enjoy it over the next 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Freeze in single layers if possible, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This helps maintain the frosting’s texture and cake’s flavor.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Instead, let frozen or refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying to bring back softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Natural food colorings might not produce such a vibrant purple hue, but alternatives like beet juice or blueberry extract could work with a slightly different flavor profile. Gel food coloring is best for that true Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe look.
Is it okay to substitute butter for vegetable oil in this recipe?
Butter can be used but will alter the texture slightly, making the cake denser and more buttery rather than moist and tender. Vegetable oil helps keep the cake soft and light, which is key for this recipe.
How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened but not melted and the white chocolate is just melted and cooled before incorporation. Also, chilling the frosting briefly before applying to the cake helps it set beautifully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be aware that texture and crumb might change slightly but it will still taste fantastic.
What is the best way to transport the cake?
Place the cake in a sturdy cake box or container with a lid and keep it refrigerated if the journey is long. For shorter trips, a level cake carrier with non-slip mat underneath ensures it stays put and arrives looking flawless.
Final Thoughts
This Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true celebration of color, flavor, and texture all rolled into one beautiful dessert. Whether for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, baking and sharing this cake is sure to bring smiles and wow your guests. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
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
This Purple Velvet Cake features a moist, vibrant purple-hued cake infused with cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate depth, topped with a luscious white chocolate cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this recipe yields a striking and delicious cake with a visually stunning appearance and a rich, creamy topping.
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 flour two round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the buttermilk and purple gel food coloring until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. 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 allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Melt the white chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure smoothness without burning. In a bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, then gradually add the melted white chocolate and continue whipping until combined and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the white chocolate cream cheese frosting, spreading evenly over the top and sides for a smooth and creamy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the cake’s texture.
- You can substitute sour cream for buttermilk if needed.
- White chocolate chips can be gently melted in a microwave or a double boiler to avoid burning.
- For an extra touch, decorate the frosted cake with edible purple flowers or sprinkles.
