“`html
If you are craving a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is irresistible to taste, this Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Vibrant purple layers embody a tender crumb with just the right depth of cocoa, perfectly complemented by a luscious, silky white chocolate cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake brings together color, flavor, and texture in a way that feels both indulgent and surprising, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in crafting that perfect cake. From the simple pantry staples to the colorful food dyes that give this cake its signature purple hue, every element adds flavor, moisture, or that comforting crumb we all adore.
- All-purpose flour: The backbones of the cake, providing structure and tenderness when measured properly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist crumb with the right texture.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cocoa powder: A subtle hint of chocolate that deepens the purple color and adds complexity.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds a slight tang and reacts with baking soda for a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Help bind ingredients and provide richness.
- White vinegar: Reacts with the buttermilk and baking soda to aid leavening and enhance the cake’s texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
- Red food coloring: Works with purple dye to create that eye-catching purple velvet tone.
- Purple food coloring: The star color that sets this cake apart from any other velvet cake.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of the luscious frosting, adding tang and creaminess.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and smooth consistency to the frosting.
- Confectioners’ sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, ensuring it spreads smoothly.
- White chocolate (melted and cooled): A sweet, creamy twist that makes this frosting simply divine.
How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure your cakes release effortlessly after baking. This prep sets the stage for perfect baking and easy cake removal.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting and combining these dry ingredients ensures even distribution and prevents clumps, which leads to a smooth, consistent batter and a flawless crumb texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, room-temperature buttermilk, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and purple food coloring until you have a smooth, vibrant liquid mixture. This colorful blend forms the rich base of your purple velvet cake batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so stop as soon as the batter is smooth and uniform with no flour patches.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the layers remain moist yet fully cooked for a perfect crumb.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key before frosting, so keep your patience here for the best results.
Step 7: Melt the White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate gently over a double boiler or in 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring to achieve a smooth, glossy texture. Let the chocolate cool slightly before mixing it into the frosting to avoid melting the butter and cream cheese.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This aeration creates a creamy base that’s perfect for a luscious frosting with exquisite texture.
Step 9: Add Sugar and White Chocolate
Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth. Gently fold in the cooled melted white chocolate and beat again until the frosting is silky and luscious.
Step 10: Frost the Cake Layers
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous, even layer of white chocolate cream cheese frosting on top. This first layer sets the tone for the luscious, creamy contrast to the tender purple cake.
Step 11: Stack and Finish Frosting
Carefully place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top for a polished look. The smooth, shiny frosting completes your beautiful Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in style.
Step 12: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This chilling step allows the frosting to set perfectly, ensuring clean slices and a delightful eating experience every single time.
How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cake by garnishing with fresh berries like blueberries or blackberries, which complement the purple hues and add a refreshing burst of flavor. Edible flowers or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can also add a gorgeous and textural finishing touch that impresses every guest.
Side Dishes
For a balanced indulgence, serve slices of this Purple Velvet Cake with a light cup of coffee or a bright, fruity tea like berry hibiscus. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side can turn the experience into a decadent treat worth savoring.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering mini versions of this cake in clear dessert jars for individual servings perfect for parties or gifts. Another fun idea is to make cupcakes using the same batter and frosting, piping the cream cheese frosting in elegant swirls to captivate your guests with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stays moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage can keep the cake fresh for up to 4 days, making it ideal for enjoying over several days without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either as individual slices or whole. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and your cake will taste remarkably fresh and delightful all over again.
Reheating
Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled, it’s recommended to serve it cold or at room temperature. If needed, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes after refrigerating for the best frosting texture and softness of the cake layers.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate in the frosting?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives this frosting its signature sweetness and color, substituting with regular milk or dark chocolate will create a different but equally delicious variation. Just melt and cool the chocolate as directed, then mix it in.
What makes this cake “velvet” compared to regular chocolate cake?
The term “velvet” refers to the cake’s extra tender crumb and moist texture, usually achieved through the use of buttermilk, oil, and acidic ingredients like vinegar. Here, the addition of cocoa powder and food coloring enhances that classic velvet effect with a unique purple twist.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can create a gluten-free version. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free too to keep things safe and tasty.
How do I get the perfect purple color without it turning too red?
The balance of red and purple food coloring is key. The red adds warmth, but too much can shift the color. The purple food coloring tempers this and moves the shade toward a true purple. Start with recommended amounts and adjust gradually if needed.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! The vivid color and elegant white chocolate cream cheese frosting make this cake perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests with something both stunning and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a delightful way to add color, flavor, and warmth to any gathering or cozy night in. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share again and again. So grab your mixing bowls, invite your loved ones, and enjoy every scrumptious moment this cake has to offer!
“`
Print
Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is a strikingly vibrant dessert that combines classic red velvet cake flavors enhanced with purple food coloring and rich cocoa powder. Covered in a luscious, creamy white chocolate frosting, this cake offers a delightful balance of moist texture and sweet creaminess, perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 2 tsp purple food coloring
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- 6 oz white chocolate (melted and cooled)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder ensuring there are no lumps and everything is evenly combined.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and purple food coloring until the mixture is smooth and uniformly colored.
- Combine the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl using a double boiler method or microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before use.
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Chocolate: Gradually incorporate the sifted confectioners’ sugar into the cream cheese mixture, then stir in the melted white chocolate. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Layers: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of the frosting over the top.
- Stack and Frost: Add the second cake layer on top and evenly spread the remaining frosting over the top and around the sides of the cake for a smooth finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
- The combination of red and purple food coloring creates the distinctive purple velvet color.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- Chilling the cake after frosting helps set the frosting for clean slices.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American