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+ servings
A cut piece of Blue Velvet Cake, revealing the deep blue layers and a creamy frosting finish, ready to be served.

Blue Velvet Cake Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
This Blue Velvet Cake Recipe offers vibrant layers of moist, cocoa-infused cake paired with rich cream cheese frosting. A fun, colorful twist on the classic velvet cake, perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons royal blue food coloring
  • 1-2 drops violet food coloring
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups buttermilk room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Frosting:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and the food colorings until the batter achieves a vibrant blue hue.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

  1. In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

Incorporate the Wet and Dry Mixtures:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vinegar. Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter mixture in alternating batches, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.

Bake the Cakes:

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is light and spreadable.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with a spatula or leave it slightly textured for a rustic look.

Notes

To make this Blue Velvet Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, such as cocoa powder and powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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