Explore the captivating charm of Blue Velvet Cake, an imaginative take on the traditional Red Velvet cake. Known for its vivid blue color and velvety texture, this cake is perfect for those looking to add a splash of color and elegance to their dessert table. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just to brighten up a weekend, the Blue Velvet Cake is sure to impress with its unique appearance and exquisite taste.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 115 grams butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon blue gel food coloring
- A tip of a toothpick’s worth of violet gel food coloring
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 350 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
- 450 grams powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons clear vanilla extract
Directions
- Cake Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter until fluffy and light in color. This process helps create a smooth and airy cake texture.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and volume.
- In a small bowl, blend the cocoa powder with blue and violet food colorings until you achieve a deep blue color. Ensure the mixture is uniform to avoid streaks in the batter.
- Sift together the flour and salt. Alternately add these dry ingredients with the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined after each addition to maintain a tender crumb.
- Combine the baking soda and vinegar in a small dish; it will fizz immediately. Quickly fold this into the cake batter to activate the rising process.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frosting Preparation:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with the milk and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and light, which may take about 8-10 minutes.
- Assembly:
- Slice the completely cooled cake horizontally into layers as desired.
- Spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer and around the exterior of the cake. For a professional finish, apply a thin crumb coat and chill the cake for 20 minutes before adding the final layer of frosting.
Tips
- Coloring: Gel food coloring is recommended for achieving vibrant color without affecting the moisture content of the cake.
- Ingredient Temperatures: Ensure ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature to facilitate a smooth, even mix.
- Texture: The interaction between vinegar and baking soda helps to create a light and fluffy cake texture.
Conclusion
The Blue Velvet Cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making it a perfect addition to any celebration. Its soft crumb, paired with rich buttercream frosting, offers a balance of flavors that can appeal to both children and adults alike. Enjoy baking this beautiful cake and watch it become the centerpiece of your dessert spread!
