The first time I saw a blue velvet cake, I was mesmerized. The 3-layer wonder was impressive enough from the outside with its white, creamy frosting. But the biggest wow factor was the unexpected, bold pop of blue when we cut into it! Of course, I couldn’t wait to get home and try it out in my kitchen. Since then, I’ve taken blue velvet cake to baby showers, holiday parties, and summer picnics for a guaranteed crowd wowwer! Fluffy texture, buttery flavor, and bold color… it’s a perfect 10 across the board!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Blue Velvet Cake
The Cake
Dry Ingredients – Combine flour, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Set aside. (Photos 1-2) Prep the Pans – Preheat oven to 350℉/177℃. Grease three 9-inch round baking pans with baking spray, then line them with parchment paper (if desired) and set aside. Wet Ingredients – Cream butter and sugar on high in a stand mixer until fluffy and starts looking white (approximately 4 minutes). Add sour cream and continue mixing for another minute. Follow with the oil, and mix a minute longer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating the mixture well between each addition. (Photos 3-6) The Flavor – Next, pour in the buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla and thoroughly mix. (Photo 7) Color – Add food coloring until you reach the desired color. (Photo 8) Combine – Add the flour mixture slowly to the wet ingredients. Then mix the baking soda and powder with the water and gently fold it into the cake batter. Scrape the sides of your mixing bowl down as you go. (Photo 9) Bake – Evenly divide your batter between the three pans, and tap on the countertop to release bubbles. Bake at 350℉/177℃ for 25-30 minutes (check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the cake’s center. If it comes out clean, it’s done). Cool – Let the cakes sit in their pans for 10-15 minutes. Gently invert the cake layers on a wire rack and lift off the pans. Once your cake layers have cooled completely, wrap them in cling wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for an hour (preferably overnight) because it makes them much easier to frost. (Photo 10)
Assembling
Make the Frosting – Whisk cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy with a whisk or electric mixer. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, mixing as you go until smooth. (Photos 11-13) Trim the Cake – Level out any domes on your cake with a long knife to make sure they’re completely flat. Layer – Gently place one cake layer on a serving platter. Then spread ¾ to 1 cup of cream cheese frosting over it. Top it with the second layer, add frosting, and top it with the third layer. (Photo 14) Final Frosting – Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of your blue velvet cake. Pipe on some of the cream cheese frosting and decorate with cake crumbs if you have any.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Baking the cake layers the day before is even better. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them moist in the fridge. The frosting is an excellent make-ahead ingredient too. Keep it in a covered bowl in the fridge. When ready to assemble, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before assembling the cake so it’s easier to work with. And blue velvet cake is also freezer friendly! Simply wrap the layers tightly, store them in resealable freezer bags, and freeze them for up to two months. Thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator and assemble the cake before serving.
Serving and Storage Instructions
This kind of cake is best served at room temperature. However, some people prefer it cold. Leftover blue velvet cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
What to Serve With Blue Velvet Cake
This classic Southern dessert is the perfect finale for lobster mac and cheese, garlic bread, and corn on the cob. And, of course, a nice chai tea latte is always welcome.
More Decadent Cake Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Rich and melt-in-your-mouth Blue Velvet Cake creates a decadent finale for any celebration! When will you treat your guests to this blue-tiful creation? Comment below, and let me know!
Watch How to Make It
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