Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons purple food coloring
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
For the frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Optional:
1 cup chocolate chips or purple sugar for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vegetable oil and mix until combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Fold in purple food coloring and vinegar.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in pans on a wire rack. Prepare frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar until creamy.
Assemble cake: place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over the top. Add second layer and frost the top and sides.
Decorate with chocolate chips or purple sugar before serving.
Notes
For a lighter crumb, substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour.
Buttermilk substitute: mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
Ensure all ingredients (especially cream cheese) are at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg