Blue Velvet Cake Recipe
This Blue Velvet Cake is a stunning twist on the classic red velvet, featuring a vibrant blue hue and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions, it layers moist, tender cake with fresh blueberries and smooth, flavorful frosting, producing a visually striking and delicious dessert that will impress any crowd.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: One 4-layer 6-inch cake, serves approximately 8-10 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (10 grams) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) blue food coloring
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 10 tablespoons (140 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 10 ounces (280 grams) cream cheese
- 5 cups (600 grams) powdered sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoons almond extract
Decoration
- Prepare the pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line four 6-inch (15 cm) cake pans with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, fully blending each before adding the next to ensure a smooth batter.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and white vinegar to the mixture, mixing until smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk: Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing gently to avoid overmixing and keep the batter light.
- Add food coloring: Stir in blue and violet food coloring carefully until the batter achieves a vibrant blue shade.
- Fill pans: Distribute batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the cakes: Place pans in the oven and bake for 25-27 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.
- Cool the cakes: Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely in pans placed on a wire rack before removing.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Add extracts: Mix in vanilla and almond extracts thoroughly for balanced flavor.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake: Remove cooled cakes from pans carefully. Layer the cakes, spreading fresh blueberries between each layer for freshness and texture.
- Frost the cake: Cover the entire cake with cream cheese frosting, smoothing the surface to create an elegant finish.
- Decorate: Optionally, garnish the top and sides with additional fresh blueberries or other decorative elements to enhance presentation.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- The use of blue and violet food coloring is key to achieving the signature blue velvet look.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Check cake doneness with the toothpick test around 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Layering fresh blueberries adds a burst of flavor and a visually appealing touch.
- For best results, chill the cake after frosting to set before serving.
- Can store baked cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: blue velvet cake, blue cake, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, blueberry cake, vibrant cake, party cake, special occasion cake