Name: Purple Velvet Cake Recipes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 57 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon fine salt; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons (30ml) purple gel food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; ½ cup (120ml) hot water; Optional: ½ teaspoon ube extract (for a natural purple hue and subtle flavor)

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a showstopping cake that's as beautiful as it is delicious, you're going to love these purple velvet cake recipes. With their rich, moist crumb and striking violet hue, these cakes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at birthdays, showers, or any festive gathering. Each bite delivers a hint of cocoa, the creaminess of buttermilk, and a sweetness that's just right. Let's get cooking!

Save

Why You’ll Love This

Eye-catching color that transforms any celebration into a magical occasion.
Super moist, tender crumb thanks to buttermilk and oil.
Easy to customize with food coloring or natural purple foods.
Pairs perfectly with classic cream cheese or vanilla buttercream frosting.
It's a conversation starter—everyone wants to know what makes it purple and so tasty!

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons (30ml) purple gel food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ cup (120ml) hot water
Optional: ½ teaspoon ube extract (for a natural purple hue and subtle flavor)

Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment for easy release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a second bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, purple food coloring, vanilla extract, and (if using) ube extract. Whisk until evenly blended and vibrantly colored.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until smooth. Add the vinegar and hot water, mixing briefly until the batter is silky and evenly purple.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost as desired—cream cheese frosting is a classic choice!

Notes

For a deeper purple shade, add a bit more gel coloring or a few drops of ube extract.
Room temperature eggs and buttermilk make the batter blend more easily for a tender crumb.
Be sure not to overmix—stop as soon as the batter is smooth.

Variations

Natural Dye Version: Substitute some food coloring with puréed purple sweet potato or blueberries for a natural tint.
Gluten-Free Purple velvet: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Vegan Purple Velvet Cake: Swap eggs for flax eggs, dairy for plant-based milk with lemon juice, and use vegan frosting.

Required Equipment

Two 8-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Electric mixer (optional but makes things easier!)
Wire cooling rack
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Unfrosted cakes can be wrapped well and frozen for up to 2 months.

Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations

Serve slices with extra dollops of cream cheese frosting.
Top with fresh berries, especially blueberries or blackberries, for a fruity contrast.
A cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a pot of earl grey tea are all fabulous alongside!

Pro Tips

Use gel food coloring for vibrant, deep color with less liquid—liquid food coloring can dilute your batter.
Don’t skip greasing and lining your pans—it ensures the cakes release perfectly every time!
Weigh your flour if possible for the most accurate, tender crumb.

FAQ

Can I use regular food coloring? Yes, but gel provides a more saturated color without overpowering the batter with liquid.
Is ube extract necessary? No—it adds flavor and boosts the purple shade, but food coloring alone works great for color.
Can I make this cake ahead? Absolutely! Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and frost the day you’re serving.