Purple Oven cakes have a reputation — it’s not just the remarkable looks of the cakes that get it noticed — the cakes have a melt-in-the-mouth texture and the right amount of sweetness as well. We have taken all that deliciousness and put it into a recipe you can replicate in your own kitchen.
With this recipe, you can get all of the flavours of a Purple Oven cake without the need to go to a specialty bakery.
This will provide you with a complete recipe to bake your very own beautiful Purple Oven-inspired cake to make at home. Be it for a birthday, an anniversary or simply a not-so-healthy post-tea time delight – this recipe has it all.
What Makes Purple Oven Cakes Special?
Purple Oven cakes — whether it’s their Classic Vanilla, Ube, Red Velvet, or Mocha Praline — are known for their:
- Moist and airy texture
- Subtle yet rich flavors
- Buttery smooth frosting
- Balanced sweetness
- Elegant presentation
The secret lies in the precise measurement, gentle mixing, and the right baking time. Let’s recreate that magic at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need (for one 8-inch round cake)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup Ube halaya (for Ube version) or 1 tsp natural purple food coloring (optional)
Frosting (Cream Cheese-Based):
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions: How to Bake Purple Oven-Style Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper. Lightly dust with flour.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed).
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry
- With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing — it can cause dense cake.
Step 6: Add Ube Halaya or Color (Optional)
Gently fold in the ube halaya or purple food color if using. This gives the cake a purple hue and a richer flavor.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Add vanilla extract and beat for another 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
- Once cakes are fully cooled, level the tops if needed.
- Place one layer on a cake board or plate, spread an even layer of frosting.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, edible flowers, or a light purple dusting of icing sugar.
Precautions and Baking Tips
Ingredients at Room Temperature: Butter, eggs, and buttermilk should always be at room temperature. If the ingredients are cold they’ll not mix properly, and there is a chance of curdling.
Do not Over Mix: If you overmix the batter will lose air and the cake will be dense.
Use Cake Flour: Cake flour has a more delicate and softer texture than all-purpose flour.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Use measuring cups or a scale. Use accurate measurements and if you’re using a cake-specific flour, use a kitchen scale!
Do not Open Oven Too Early: Wait at least 25 minutes before opening the oven door to avoid dropping the temperature suddenly and causing your cake to collapse!
Be Cool and Don’t Frost Until Cool: Do not frost a warm cake! A warm cakes melts the frosting!
Storage: Keep it in an airtight container. It should stay in good condition in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Optional Variations
Red Velvet Version: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder and red food coloring instead of purple.
Mocha Cake: Replace ¼ cup buttermilk with cooled espresso and add 1 tsp instant coffee to the dry mix.
Fruit-Filled: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or blueberries between cake layers for a fruity twist.
Final Thoughts
Baking a Purple Oven-style cake at home may seem intimidating, but it’s entirely achievable with the right approach and a bit of patience. Whether it’s the Ube flavor or a custom version of your own, the key lies in respecting the baking process: measure, mix, and bake with care.
This cake is perfect for birthdays, Sunday desserts, or any special occasion. Once you master the base recipe, you can create an entire lineup of bakery-worthy cakes right from your oven.
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