If you’re looking to dazzle at your next celebration or bring a pop of color to the dessert table, this Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is your ticket. Imagine plush layers of uniquely tinted purple cake, rich with a hint of cocoa, all wrapped in an irresistibly creamy, slightly tangy frosting swirled with luscious white chocolate. The color alone is enough to steal the show, but it’s the tender crumb and dreamy frosting that will have your friends begging for the recipe. Whether it’s for a birthday, shower, or simply to make any day feel special, Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is a true delight for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe that such an impressive cake begins with such simple, everyday ingredients. Each component is carefully selected to create a moist crumb, vibrant color, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Let’s peek at what makes this Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting truly shine:

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, providing structure while letting the flavor and color shine through.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist and tender in every slice.
Baking soda: Ensures the cake rises nicely and stays light rather than dense.
Cocoa powder: Just enough for subtle complexity and depth—don’t skip, it’s key to the velvet vibe!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out every bit of flavor.
Vegetable oil: Makes the cake incredibly moist and helps it keep for days.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds a gorgeous tang and reacts with the baking soda for extra lift.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and make the crumb beautifully tender.
Purple food coloring: The star of the show—gel coloring works best for a vibrant purple shade.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
White vinegar: The secret to the velvet texture; it reacts with the baking soda for a super soft cake.
Cream cheese (softened): For that distinctive tang and creamy frosting base.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the frosting a luxurious, spreadable texture.
White chocolate (melted and cooled): Adds richness, sweetness, and a subtle cocoa flavor to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting while keeping it fluffy.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Lends subtle depth and complements the white chocolate.
Pinch of salt: Brightens and balances the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or, for easy release, line them with parchment circles. This simple step makes all the difference when it’s time to unmold your showstopper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. It’s worth whisking well so the baking soda and cocoa distribute evenly—no one wants a bite of unblended dry ingredients!

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Grab a second bowl and whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, purple food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Add enough food coloring to achieve your desired shade of purple—gel-based colors make your cake vibrant without thinning the batter.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you have a smooth, uniform batter to keep your cake tender and delicate.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy—don’t rush this, as it’s the key to cloud-like frosting! Next, mix in the melted white chocolate. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then vanilla and a pinch of salt, beating until creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate and spread with a generous amount of frosting. Stack the second cake on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an extra polished look, chill briefly to let the frosting set before slicing into your beautiful Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.

How to Serve Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Nothing beats a flourish of edible flowers, delicate white chocolate curls, or a sprinkle of purple sugar crystals on top. These eye-catching touches highlight the cake’s whimsical color and make every slice feel like a celebration. Not only will your Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting look magical, but those garnishes add a tiny crunch or floral aroma to each bite.

Side Dishes

This dazzling cake pairs perfectly with fresh berries or a mixed fruit salad. For something extra special, serve with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the subtle flavors let the cake’s purple hue and rich taste take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

For unforgettable presentation, try baking the batter as cupcakes for individual treats, or use a bundt pan for dramatic swirls. You can even layer cubes of cake and frosting in small jars or glasses for a portable party parfait! However you serve it, Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is guaranteed to bring smiles and curiosity to the dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting also prevents the cake from drying out, so every leftover slice is just as good as the first.

Freezing

The beauty of this recipe is how well it freezes. To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil. The frosted cake can also be frozen, just chill it until firm before wrapping. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm slice, just pop a piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds—that’s enough to bring out the fragrance and slightly soften the frosting, making it almost like a bakery-fresh treat again. Just don’t overdo it or the frosting will melt.

FAQs

Can I make Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting without food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is purely for that showstopping purple hue. If you prefer to skip it, the cake will still be delicious, just less vibrant. You can experiment with natural options like blueberry or butterfly pea powder, but results may vary.

What’s the best way to get a vivid purple color?

Gel-based food coloring is your best friend here. It provides intense color without thinning the batter. Start with two tablespoons, but you can add a little extra for a deeper shade. Always add gradually and mix well to achieve even coloring.

Can I use the frosting on cupcakes or other cakes?

Definitely! This white chocolate cream cheese frosting is ultra-versatile and glorious on cupcakes, brownies, or sandwiched between cookies. Just adjust the quantity as needed for smaller bakes.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can swap out the buttermilk for a non-dairy milk soured with a little lemon juice or vinegar, and use plant-based cream cheese, butter, and white chocolate. The results will be slightly different, but still incredibly delicious.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Line your pans with parchment paper or grease and flour them liberally before pouring in the batter. Letting the cakes cool for 10 minutes before turning them out also helps prevent sticking and breakage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of Purple Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting—whether you’re celebrating or just making any day sweeter. Give this recipe a try and let yourself be swept up in the magic of its color, its creamy frosting, and the smiles it brings to everyone who tastes it. Happy baking!