Description

The Divine Blue Velvet Cake is a stunningly vibrant and moist dessert that combines classic velvet cake flavors with a unique royal blue hue. Perfect for special occasions or any time you want to impress with a visually striking and delicious cake, this recipe uses a combination of buttermilk, cocoa powder, and a touch of vinegar to create a tender crumb, enhanced by the blue and purple food colorings for a deep blue shade. The cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or white chocolate frosting, making every bite a luscious experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Coloring

1 ounce royal blue food coloring
1–2 drops violet or purple food coloring (to deepen the shade)

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Instructions

Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
Combine wet ingredients and food coloring: In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, royal blue food coloring, and violet or purple food coloring to achieve a deep blue hue.
Mix batter: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the wet buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently and mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake.
Pour batter into pans: Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even surface.
Bake the cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

For an ultra-smooth finish, level the cake layers before frosting to achieve even, professional-looking layers.
This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese or white chocolate frosting, both complementing its rich flavor and vibrant color.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a subtle, nutty aroma.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American