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Purple Velvet Cake Delight

Featured in Reliable Dessert Recipes.

The Purple Velvet Cake Roll is a stunning dessert that combines a soft, rich cocoa-infused purple sponge cake with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. The batter is crafted with ingredients like buttermilk, cocoa powder, and vanilla, creating a moist texture. After baking, the cake is rolled with a towel to create its classic rolled shape. Once filled with the cream cheese mixture and optionally topped with whipped cream, it becomes a centerpiece-worthy treat. Whether for celebrations or casual gatherings, its vibrant color and delicious flavor make it unforgettable.

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Chef Zaho
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 02:11:19 GMT
A purple cake with white frosting and purple flowers on top. Pin it
A purple cake with white frosting and purple flowers on top. | alicesrecipes.com

This gorgeous purple velvet cake roll combines the rich flavors of classic red velvet with a stunning purple twist that makes it perfect for special occasions. The delicate sponge cake wraps around creamy cream cheese filling for a dessert that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

I first created this purple velvet cake roll for my daughter's birthday when she requested something "purple and fancy." The gasps of delight when I brought it to the table made all the effort worthwhile, and now it's our go-to celebration cake.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A purple cake with white frosting and purple flowers. Pin it
A purple cake with white frosting and purple flowers. | alicesrecipes.com

You Must Know

The purple color of this cake always reminds me of the lavender fields my grandmother and I visited in Provence. She taught me the art of cake rolling, and I still use her vintage linen tea towel whenever I make this recipe. It somehow makes the cake taste even better.

Perfect Purple Color

A purple cake with white frosting and purple flowers. Pin it
A purple cake with white frosting and purple flowers. | alicesrecipes.com

Make-Ahead Options

Troubleshooting Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve the vibrant purple color?

The vibrant purple color is achieved by adding purple food coloring to the cake batter. Adjust the quantity until you reach your desired shade.

→ What is the best way to roll the cake without cracking?

Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to roll the cake while it's still warm. This helps prevent cracks and keeps the roll uniform.

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The cream cheese filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly before spreading it onto the cake.

→ What alternative toppings can I use?

Whipped cream is a classic topping, but you can also dust the cake roll with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or add fresh berries for extra flavor and decoration.

→ Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can mix 1/2 cup regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use it as a substitute.

→ How should I store the cake roll?

Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps best for 2–3 days.

Purple Velvet Cake Roll

Soft purple cake rolled with creamy filling for a delightful treat.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 rolled cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake

01 4 large eggs
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 1/4 cup vegetable oil
06 1/2 cup buttermilk
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 Purple food coloring as desired

→ Cream Cheese Filling

12 1 cup cream cheese, softened
13 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

15 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir to combine.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Add purple food coloring to achieve your desired shade of purple.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the cake is baking, in a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 07

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and remove the parchment paper. Starting from one end, roll the cake up tightly in the towel and let it cool completely.

Step 08

Once the cake has cooled, unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel, making sure the filling stays inside.

Step 09

If desired, whip the heavy cream and use it to top the rolled cake before serving.

Step 10

Slice and enjoy your elegant Purple Velvet Cake Roll.

Notes

  1. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before spreading the cream cheese filling to prevent melting.

Tools You'll Need

  • 15x10-inch jelly roll pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Whisk
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Clean kitchen towel

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 5 g