Blue Velvet Cake

Introduction:
Blue velvet cake is a visually stunning and flavorful variation of the traditional red velvet cake, characterized by its striking blue color and deliciously moist, tender crumb. Much like its red counterpart, blue velvet cake boasts a subtle cocoa flavor, a tangy hint from the buttermilk, and a velvety texture that makes it an ideal dessert for special occasions. The cake is often topped with a rich and creamy frosting, such as cream cheese or buttercream, which perfectly complements the sweetness and moisture of the cake itself. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving something indulgent, blue velvet cake adds a unique twist to the classic velvet cake family.

The History of Blue Velvet Cake:
The blue velvet cake is a modern twist on the traditional red velvet cake, which was first made popular in the southern United States in the early 20th century. Red velvet cakes were originally known for their striking red color, achieved with the help of food coloring, and their distinct flavor that combines cocoa with a slight tang from buttermilk and vinegar. The blue velvet cake emerged as bakers and dessert enthusiasts experimented with different food coloring options, resulting in a vibrant blue cake that still maintained the same delicious flavor profile as the classic red velvet. The blue hue is typically achieved using blue food coloring or natural alternatives like butterfly pea flower powder, which has become popular for its natural colorant properties. Though it remains a relatively new variation, blue velvet cake has quickly gained popularity due to its eye-catching appearance and flavor, making it a trendy choice for those seeking something different.

Ingredients Breakdown:
Making a blue velvet cake requires a few essential ingredients that ensure its tender texture, vibrant color, and distinct flavor. All-purpose flour serves as the base, providing the structure of the cake. Granulated sugar and buttermilk add sweetness and moisture to the cake, while cocoa powder gives it a subtle chocolate flavor. Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake its rise and light texture, while salt balances the flavors. Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients and providing structure, while butter or oil adds richness and moisture. The most important ingredient for creating the blue color is food coloring, which can either be in liquid or gel form. Some bakers may opt for natural alternatives like blue spirulina or butterfly pea flower powder to avoid synthetic food colorings. Lastly, a frosting made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar is typically used to complement the cake’s flavor and add an extra layer of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of softened butter until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Slowly add 1 ¼ cups of buttermilk to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of blue food coloring or a natural alternative to achieve your desired shade of blue. Mix well.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a stand mixer, beat 8 oz of cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and smooth.
9. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a spatula.
10. Optionally, decorate the cake with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorative elements of your choice.

Tips for the Perfect Blue Velvet Cake:

1. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
2. Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring for a more vibrant blue color without affecting the texture of the cake.
3. For a more natural blue, try using blue spirulina powder or butterfly pea flower powder, both of which can create a beautiful blue hue without the use of synthetic dyes.
4. If you’re using butter in the cake, make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes evenly with the sugar and other ingredients.
5. When frosting the cake, use an offset spatula to achieve a smooth, even finish.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
7. To make your cake extra special, decorate it with contrasting colors, like white or silver edible sprinkles, or pipe rosettes for an elegant look.

Variations and Customizations:
Blue velvet cake is versatile and can be customized in various ways to suit different preferences or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. For those who want a dairy-free option, substitute the buttermilk with almond milk and use a dairy-free butter or margarine for the frosting. You can also experiment with different types of frosting, such as a fluffy buttercream, a tangy cream cheese frosting, or a whipped cream frosting, depending on your taste. To make the cake even more decadent, consider adding chocolate chips or berries to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, you can infuse the frosting with citrus zest or spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for a unique twist. For a fun and playful variation, consider adding sprinkles or edible glitter on top for a festive touch.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
Blue velvet cake, like most cakes, is a rich treat that is high in sugar, fat, and calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The cake contains carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, fat from the butter or oil, and a small amount of protein from the eggs. The cream cheese frosting adds additional fat and sugar, making the cake a calorie-dense dessert. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, consider using alternative sweeteners or reducing the amount of sugar in the frosting. Additionally, opting for healthier fat sources, like coconut oil or avocado, can help make the cake a little lighter. While blue velvet cake doesn’t provide much in terms of vitamins or minerals, it can be made slightly healthier by incorporating whole wheat flour or adding fruit to the batter. However, it is still considered a dessert meant for occasional indulgence.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different food coloring?
  Yes, you can use other food colors, but blue is the most popular option for this cake. If you want to go for a different hue, feel free to experiment.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. Frost the cake before serving.
• Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
  Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve the tangy flavor and texture.
• Can I make a single layer cake?
  Yes, simply halve the recipe and bake it in a 9-inch round pan for a single-layer cake.

Blue Velvet Cake

Blue velvet cake is a visually striking and flavorful variation of red velvet cake, featuring a soft crumb and subtle cocoa taste with a vibrant blue hue. It's perfect for special occasions and can be customized to fit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 29 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• ▢ 2 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 ⅓ cups vegetable oil
• ▢ 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
• ▢ 2 large eggs at room temperature
• ▢ ¼ cup hot strong coffee
• ▢ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ▢ Food coloring to achieve a blue color – see notes below

For the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting:

• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• ▢ 32 oz cream cheese somewhat softened but still firm
• ▢ 7 cups confectioner’s sugar add an extra cup to stiffen more
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 teaspoons + ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

For the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them generously with your preferred nonstick method, such as nonstick spray and parchment paper, for easy release.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the sifted flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing on low speed. Gradually add the oil and buttermilk, continuing to mix.
• Increase the speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Slowly add the coffee, vanilla extract, vinegar, and food coloring. Scrape down the bowl again and mix the batter until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 20 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake layer comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
• Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Let the cakes cool completely to room temperature. Lightly cover the cakes with foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

For the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting:

• Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of your stand mixer and beat on high speed until the mixture begins to thicken and fluff.
• Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the confectioner’s sugar. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed back to high and continue whipping.
• Add the salt and vanilla extract and whip until the frosting is smooth and well combined.

To Assemble:

• Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread ⅓ of the frosting over the top of the first layer. Add the second cake layer and spread with another ⅓ of the frosting. Top with the final layer, placing it bottom-side up, and cover with the remaining frosting. Optionally, frost the sides of the cake as well.
• Serve at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

The cake layers can be quite delicate, so it’s a good idea to refrigerate them for 20 to 30 minutes to help firm them up, making them easier to work with when frosting.

Food Coloring
When it comes to achieving the perfect blue color, unlike red velvet, you can’t simply grab a bottle of blue food coloring from the grocery store. Standard food coloring won’t provide the same vibrant saturation and intensity. To get the ideal color, some mixing is required, and using high-quality food coloring is essential.
Some bakers combine a few drops of black and red food coloring to achieve a blue hue. For this cake, a mixture of 2 teaspoons of Sky Blue gel food coloring and 1/8 teaspoon of Violet gel food coloring was used to create the perfect blue. Feel free to experiment with different ratios to get the exact shade you want, as the brown tint from the cocoa powder can make it harder to achieve the desired color.

Storing Leftover Blue Velvet Cake
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting.
The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To ensure the frosting color is consistent, use a rubber spatula to gently fold the cream cheese frosting onto itself until the color is evenly distributed.