Purple Velvet Cake with Berry Garnish
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup purple food coloring (or gel-based for a deeper color)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
For the Frosting:
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon purple food coloring (optional, to match the cake color)
For the Garnish:
Fresh blueberries
Fresh strawberries
Mint leaves
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and purple food coloring.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until fully combined. Stir in the vinegar. - Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and purple food coloring (if using), and beat until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer, frost, and repeat with the third layer.
Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. - Garnish:
Decorate the top of the cake with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and mint leaves for a pop of color. - Serve:
Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the vibrant color and rich flavors.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Baking Time: 25 minutes | Cooling Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12-16