If you’re craving a visually stunning and delicious dessert, look no further than this Blue Velvet Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rich flavor, moist texture, and striking color. This cake is ideal for any celebration or as a special treat, with its vibrant blue hue complemented by a creamy, tangy frosting.
Here’s how to make this fantastic cake from scratch.
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 Tablespoon blue food coloring
- ½ teaspoon violet food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Required Kitchen Tools:
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will help you achieve the perfect batter consistency quickly and easily.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your measurements for baking success.
- Baking Pans: Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish, depending on your preference.
- Spatula and Whisk: For mixing and folding ingredients effectively.
- Cooling Rack: Once the cakes are baked, a cooling rack ensures they cool evenly.
- Piping Bag (optional): If you want to pipe the frosting onto the cake for a smooth and professional look.
Blue Velvet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cake Preparation & Baking
Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start making the delicious Blue Velvet Cake with that irresistible cream cheese frosting. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cake comes out perfectly moist and vibrant.
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans (two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish). You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to make sure the cake comes out easily once baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sifting these ingredients ensures they’re evenly distributed and helps prevent clumping, which contributes to the cake’s smooth texture.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat them on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cake texture.
4. Add the Eggs:
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This allows the eggs to incorporate fully into the batter, creating a smooth and consistent mixture.
5. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the following wet ingredients to the batter:
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
Mix until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated into the batter. The sour cream and buttermilk will give the cake its soft, tender crumb.
6. Add the Food Coloring:
For that signature blue velvet look, mix in the blue food coloring and the violet food coloring. Stir the colors until fully combined. The blue and violet together give the cake its deep, rich hue, so don’t be shy with the coloring!
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure all the ingredients are well-incorporated.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting & Assembly
Now that your Blue Velvet Cake is fully baked and cooled, it’s time to bring it all together with a luxurious cream cheese frosting. This frosting is creamy, slightly tangy, and pairs perfectly with the rich, vibrant blue velvet layers.
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
To make the frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (depending on your desired consistency)
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for extra smoothness)
2. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the base for your frosting.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Mix on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase the speed to medium-high. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen it up and make it even smoother.
4. Add the Vanilla Extract:
Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute until well combined. The vanilla will add a lovely aroma and depth to the frosting.
5. Adjust the Consistency:
If your frosting is too stiff, add a little more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
6. Frost the Cake:
Now that your cream cheese frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble your cake. Start by placing one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top, using a spatula or butter knife.
Place the second layer of cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Make sure the frosting is smooth and even all over the cake. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the frosting a bit textured for a more homemade feel.
Decoration & Serving Tips
After frosting your Blue Velvet Cake with the smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s time to give it a beautiful finish. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying a slice with family, the decorations and presentation can really make your cake stand out.
1. Optional Decorative Touches:
There are many ways to decorate your Blue Velvet Cake, depending on the theme or occasion. Here are a few ideas:
- Sprinkles: To add a bit of sparkle, you can decorate your cake with blue and white sprinkles. This will complement the blue velvet color and add a playful touch.
- Edible Flowers: For a more elegant touch, edible flowers, like white roses or lavender, can be placed on top of the cake. These will enhance its beauty without overpowering the flavor.
- Piping: If you’re skilled with piping bags, you can pipe small rosettes or decorative borders around the edges of the cake for a professional look.
- Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle a light dusting of shredded coconut around the sides or top of the cake for texture and visual appeal. It adds a lovely contrast to the blue and white color scheme.
2. Chilling the Cake:
Once the cake is decorated, you may want to chill it for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and firm up. This also makes it easier to slice and serve.
3. Slicing and Serving:
When you’re ready to serve your cake, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to slice clean pieces. This helps prevent the frosting from sticking to the knife and ensures smooth, even slices.
4. Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the cake within a couple of days, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container. The cream cheese frosting will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent the frosting from drying out.
Conclusion
This Blue Velvet Cake Recipe is a showstopper, combining a rich, moist cake with the smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that everyone loves.
Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will definitely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With the simple yet luxurious decoration options, your cake will not only taste amazing but also look like a work of art.
Enjoy your slice of blue velvet heaven!
