
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique and Vibrant: The deep purple color makes this cake a showstopper.
- Velvety and Moist: Buttermilk and oil create a soft, tender crumb.
- Luscious Frosting: The white chocolate cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, decadent finish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, weddings, or simply when you want to impress!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon (or more) purple food coloring
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 pound (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 6 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
5. Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Fold in the melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.
7. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 400 per slice
Variations
- Ombre Effect: Use different shades of purple food coloring for a gradient look.
- Berry Infusion: Add blueberry or blackberry puree for a fruity twist.
- Chocolatey Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Room Temperature: The cake can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours, but refrigerate if storing longer.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost before serving.
2. What type of food coloring should I use?
Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant purple hue.
3. Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
4. How do I keep the cake moist?
Do not overbake, and store it properly in an airtight container.
5. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of melted chocolate?
Yes, but melt them gently to avoid clumping.
6. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
7. What’s the best way to frost the cake smoothly?
Use an offset spatula and chill the cake for 15 minutes before frosting.
8. Can I add fruit between the layers?
Yes! Sliced strawberries or raspberries make a great addition.
9. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
10. What other frostings pair well with this cake?
Try a Swiss meringue buttercream or a classic vanilla buttercream.
Conclusion
Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With its rich, velvety texture and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration. Try it today and impress your guests with this vibrant, indulgent treat!

Purple Velvet Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Purple Velvet Cake is a stunning twist on the classic red velvet, featuring a rich, velvety texture and a vibrant purple hue. Paired with a creamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion. Moist, flavorful, and absolutely gorgeous, it's a showstopper dessert that will impress everyone!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons purple food coloring (adjust for desired shade)
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz (1 lb) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 6 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red and purple food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth. Do not overmix.
5. Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Fold in melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.
7. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve!
Notes
- Ombre Effect: Use different shades of purple food coloring for a gradient look.
- Berry Infusion: Add blueberry or blackberry puree for a fruity twist.
- Chocolatey Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American