Red Velvet Cake (with a Purple Twist)

Red Velvet Cake (with a Purple Twist) is a delightful take on the classic dessert, introducing a vibrant purple layer or swirl for a unique and stunning appearance. Here’s how to create this eye-catching cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp (30ml) red food coloring
• 2 tbsp (30ml) purple food coloring (or a mix of blue and red)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Frosting:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and vinegar.

Step 4: Add Color

1. Divide the wet mixture evenly into two bowls.
2. Add red food coloring to one bowl and purple food coloring to the other. Mix until the colors are vibrant.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to each bowl of wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
2. Pour the red and purple batters into the prepared pans, either creating separate layers or swirling the two colors together in each pan for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
3. Optionally, decorate with purple and red sprinkles, edible glitter, or a swirl of food coloring in the frosting.

Tips:

• For a stronger purple color, use gel food coloring.
• To enhance the cake’s flavor, add a hint of almond extract to the frosting.
• Keep the cake refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your Red Velvet Cake with a Purple Twist—a visual and flavorful delight!