Description
A stunning Blue Velvet Cake featuring a moist and tender crumb tinted with vibrant blue and violet hues, paired perfectly with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This elegant cake combines classic ingredients with a hint of cocoa powder and is adorned with fresh blueberries for a beautiful finish, making it ideal for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups 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 eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon blue food coloring
- ½ teaspoon violet food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- Fresh blueberries for layering and decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare four 6-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and lightly coating with non-stick spray to ensure easy cake removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The cocoa powder provides flavor and helps achieve the cake’s signature vibrant blue color.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air to create a lighter cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and vinegar to add moisture, richness, and a slight tanginess.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Food Coloring: Add the blue and violet food coloring to the batter and fold in carefully to achieve an even, vibrant color throughout the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, then mix in the powdered sugar gradually until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on the first cake layer, sprinkle fresh blueberries, then repeat with remaining layers. Coat the sides and top of the entire cake with frosting and decorate with fresh blueberries.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- The natural cocoa powder is essential for the cake’s blue coloring; do not substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa.
- Use gel food coloring for most vibrant color without altering batter consistency.
- The cake layers can be baked ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Blue Velvet Cake, Blue Velvet Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting Cake, Moist Blue Cake, Celebration Cake, Layer Cake
