Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your baking game forever! This Vanilla Purple Cake with Lemon Buttercream isn't just a dessert—it's a show-stopping masterpiece that combines vibrant color, irresistible flavor, and pure baking magic. Imagine cutting into a cake that looks like it belongs in a gourmet bakery window, with its stunning purple hue and creamy lemon frosting that promises to tantalize every single taste bud. Whether you're looking to impress guests, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is your golden ticket to baking stardom!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Purple food coloring
- 1 cup lemon buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add purple food coloring, a few drops at a time, until desired purple shade is achieved. Mix gently to distribute color evenly.
- Divide batter equally between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread lemon buttercream frosting between layers and over the entire cake, creating a smooth, even finish.
- Optional: Decorate with additional piped frosting, edible flowers, or purple sprinkles for extra visual appeal.
- Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld together.
Tips
- • Always ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more uniform cake batter • When adding food coloring, add gradually and mix thoroughly to achieve an even, vibrant purple • Don't overmix the batter—stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined • Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness, ensuring it comes out clean • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting • For an extra professional touch, use a turntable when frosting for smoother sides • Refrigerate the cake briefly to help the frosting set and enhance flavor melding
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
