Purple Velvet Cake is a colorful twist on the classic red velvet cake, loved for its soft crumb, mild cocoa flavor, and eye-catching purple hue. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and themed events, offering the same moist texture as velvet cake with a fun, modern look.
This Easy Purple Velvet Cake is light, moist, and tender with a subtle cocoa taste balanced by vanilla. The vibrant purple color comes from food coloring, while buttermilk and vinegar create the signature velvet softness. Paired with cream cheese frosting, it’s rich without being heavy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and purple food coloring until smooth.
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla.
Frost the cooled cake layers evenly and decorate as desired.
Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.