Description
These Purple Velvet Cupcakes are a vibrant twist on the classic red velvet, featuring a rich purple hue and a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for themed parties, birthdays, or baby showers. The use of gel food coloring ensures a striking purple shade, making these treats as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple gel food coloring, as needed
- 1/2 cup hot water
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, egg, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
- Add Hot Water and Color: Stir in the hot water gently, then add purple gel food coloring gradually until the batter reaches a vibrant purple shade. Note that the batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or spatula to your desired look.
Notes
- Purple velvet cupcakes are excellent for themed parties, birthdays, or baby showers.
- For extra flair, top the cupcakes with purple sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Using gel food coloring rather than liquid will give a deeper and more vibrant purple color.
