Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 2 tsp purple food coloring
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- 6 oz white chocolate (melted and cooled)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, red food coloring, and purple food coloring until smooth.
- Combine the Batter: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Chocolate: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, then stir in the melted white chocolate. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Frost the Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top.
- Stack and Frost: Add the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the frosting.
Notes
- For a darker purple cake, adjust the purple food coloring.
- To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- For a berry twist, add fresh blueberries or blackberries between the layers.
- If using white chocolate chips, make sure they are high-quality and melt smoothly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Celebration Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian