Blue Velvet Cake Recipe

Dreamy Blue Velvet Cake Recipe: A Charming Sweet Treat

Crafting a stunning blue velvet cake will transport you to a whimsical dessert wonderland.

Soft azure layers promise a delightful twist on classic red velvet traditions.

Luxurious cream cheese frosting creates a dreamy canvas for this vibrant confection.

Subtle cocoa undertones dance beneath the mesmerizing blue hue, surprising every palate.

Elegant yet playful, this cake becomes the centerpiece of any celebration.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping dessert will fall in love with its magical appeal.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic unfold on your plate.

New Blue Velvet Cake Flavors To Try Today

  • Gluten-Free Blue Velvet Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Blue Velvet Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, sour cream with coconut yogurt, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
  • Reduced Sugar Blue Velvet Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, and replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk to lower overall sugar content.
  • Berry-Infused Blue Velvet Cake: Incorporate fresh blueberry puree directly into the cake batter for natural blue color and enhanced berry flavor, reducing the amount of artificial food coloring needed.

Serving Blue Velvet Cake For Special Occasions

  • Blueberry Burst Celebration: Garnish the cake with a cascading waterfall of fresh blueberries around the edges for a dramatic and delicious presentation.
  • Elegant Slice Companion: Serve each slice with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the cake's rich blue velvet flavor and add a cool, creamy contrast.
  • Sparkling Beverage Pairing: Offer a chilled glass of prosecco or a blueberry-infused cocktail alongside the cake to elevate the dessert experience and create a festive atmosphere.
  • Artistic Plating Technique: Dust the cake plate with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and arrange a few fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated and visually appealing final touch.

Storing Blue Velvet Cake For That Perfect Slice

  • Store the blue velvet cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap individual cake layers or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • If serving within 1-2 days, keep the cake in a covered cake dome or container at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent frosting from melting.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. For best texture, let the cake come to room temperature naturally before serving.

FAQs

  • Why use vinegar in Blue Velvet Cake?

Vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender and light cake texture while enhancing the cake’s softness and providing a subtle tangy undertone.

  • Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles.

  • How do I achieve the perfect blue color?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant and concentrated color. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired blue shade.

Blue Velvet Cake For Those Who Love Colorful Bakes

  • Create Stunning Showstopper: This blue velvet cake transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary experience with its vibrant blue color and elegant design.
  • Wow Your Guests: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or fancy gatherings where you want to make a memorable impression with a unique dessert centerpiece.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, ensuring success even for those new to cake making.
  • Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adjusting blue color intensity or adding blueberries for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients For A Moist Blue Velvet Cake Delight

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the blue velvet cake.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds moisture to the cake.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in creating a soft cake texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake.
  • Buttermilk: Helps create a tender crumb and provides a subtle tangy flavor.
Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract, Vinegar: Add depth of flavor and help balance the cake's sweetness.
  • Blue and Violet Food Coloring: Creates the signature blue velvet color of the cake.
  • Fresh Blueberries: Provide a burst of fresh fruit flavor and decorative element.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter, Cream Cheese: Form the creamy base of the frosting with a rich, smooth texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add complex flavor notes to the frosting.

Steps To Bake Blue Velvet Cake With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab four 6-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper.

Lightly spray the pans with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together these ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Mix until everything is evenly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter and sugar together.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and transforms into a pale, creamy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Components

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • White vinegar

Continue mixing until the batter looks smooth and well-integrated.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture.

Start and end with dry ingredients.

Add blue and violet food coloring to create a vibrant blue shade.

Gently fold until color is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter equally among prepared cake pans.

Slide pans into preheated oven and bake for 25-27 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to wire cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Finish Frosting

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Mix until frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 10: Build Stunning Cake

Layer cake rounds with frosting and fresh blueberries between each layer.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Decorate top with additional blueberries for a beautiful finish.

Tips For Soft And Rich Blue Velvet Cake Layers

  • Use gel food coloring for intense, vibrant blue without changing cake batter consistency.
  • Add food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure even color distribution throughout cake layers.
  • Replace buttermilk with room temperature yogurt or sour cream for extra tender and rich cake texture.
  • Insert a toothpick at cake's center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Chill cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the cream cheese frosting.
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Blue Velvet Cake Recipe

Blue Velvet Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent blue velvet cake mesmerizes dessert enthusiasts with its electric azure hue and silky crumb. Cream cheese frosting and delicate cocoa undertones create a spectacular dessert that beckons you to savor each luxurious slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (225 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs

Flavoring and Coloring Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon blue food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon violet food coloring
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 10 tablespoons (140 grams) unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces (280 grams) cream cheese
  • 5 cups (600 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • Fresh blueberries (for layering and decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C). Arrange four 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper and apply non-stick spray for easy release.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by thoroughly whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture through vigorous creaming until the texture becomes fluffy and pale.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar blend, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and vinegar to enhance flavor complexity.
  5. Develop the cake batter by alternating dry ingredients and buttermilk, maintaining a smooth consistency. Introduce blue and violet food colorings to achieve the distinctive blue velvet hue, mixing until color is uniform.
  6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-27 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, preventing moisture retention.
  8. Craft the frosting by blending softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
  9. Gradually integrate powdered sugar into the frosting, mixing until reaching a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for cake decoration.
  10. Construct the cake by layering with frosting and fresh blueberries between each tier. Enrobe the entire cake with remaining frosting and garnish with additional blueberries for visual appeal.

Notes

  • Try natural blue food coloring like butterfly pea flower powder for a vibrant, chemical-free blue hue.
  • Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter and prevent lumps.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, light cake texture and prevent a dense, tough result.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 406
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 152 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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