Blue Velvet Cake is a beautiful variation of the classic red velvet cake, known for its soft texture, mild cocoa flavor, and eye-catching blue color. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want an elegant dessert with a dramatic appearance. Paired with rich cream cheese frosting, Blue Velvet Cake is as delicious as it is visually impressive.
Unlike chocolate cake, blue velvet cake has only a subtle cocoa taste, allowing the vanilla and tangy cream cheese frosting to shine. The result is a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Blue Velvet Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Blue gel food coloring
- A small drop of violet food coloring (optional, for a deeper blue)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and mix until fully combined.
4. Add Eggs and Flavoring
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Color the Batter
Add blue food coloring gradually until you reach a vibrant blue shade. Add a tiny drop of violet coloring if needed to deepen the color.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
7. Add Vinegar
Stir in the vinegar. This helps activate the baking soda and gives the cake its classic velvet texture.
8. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
9. Beat the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
Assembling the Cake
10. Frost and Layer
Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting between each layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
11. Decorate
Decorate as desired—leave it smooth, or garnish with fresh blueberries for an elegant finish.
Final Thoughts
Blue Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines beauty, softness, and rich flavor. Its striking color and creamy frosting make it perfect for special occasions, while its simple ingredients and easy steps make it achievable for home bakers.