Made this today and it came out heavenly! My hubby had 4 slices!

Hey there, friends! Today I want to share with you a recipe that's as unique and fun as it is delicious - the Purple Velvet Cake. Usually, when we think of velvet cakes, that classic red hue comes to mind, right? But why not switch things up a bit and go for a purple twist! This whimsical cake takes the comforting, classic flavor of a traditional velvet cake and gives it a sassy purple makeover that's perfect for adding a pop of color to any occasion. Birthday parties, baby showers, or even just a Sunday family dinner - this Purple Velvet Cake can serve as a charming centerpiece that'll have everyone talking. The origins of velvet cake go back to the Victorian era, where these desserts were served as a fancy treat with a smooth, velvety crumb. We're taking that vintage feel and putting a modern spin on it. Trust me, it's a cake that will wow your guests not only with its looks but with its rich, moist taste.

This stunning Purple Velvet Cake pairs beautifully with light sides to balance its richness. Think a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a fruit salad bursting with fresh berries. If you're serving it at brunch, why not alongside a nice cup of your favorite coffee or a glass of cold milk? The simplicity of these sides allows the vibrant purple color and velvet texture of the cake to really shine through.

Purple Velvet Cake
Servings: 12 servings

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz.) purple food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

3. In another bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on a low speed until the batter is smooth and completely combined.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

6. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Let the cakes cool in their pans for a few minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Once the cakes have cooled, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting and, if desired, decorate with purple sprinkles or edible flowers for an added touch.

- For an extra hint of flavor, you can add a dash of almond extract to your cake batter.
- If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about five minutes before using it.
- For an even bolder purple hue, feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring. Just remember that a little goes a long way!
- For a less conventional look, you can bake the batter in a bundt pan and drizzle with a simple icing and purple sugar crystals.
- Always remember to let your cakes cool completely before frosting, as rushing this step can cause the frosting to melt and slide right off your beautiful creation!
- And lastly, don't be discouraged if your first try isn't perfect. Baking is all about experimenting and having fun, so embrace the process and enjoy your delicious, purple masterpiece.