A Luscious Royal Velvet Confection
Ingredients:
3 cups fine flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
1/2 cup luxurious butter, softened
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
A dash of purple liquid food coloring
1 teaspoon soda bicarbonate
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting:
8 ounces rich cream cheese, softened
8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
2 large cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Kitchen:
Preheat the oven to 176°C (350°F) and grease two 22.5-centimeter-round cake pans.
Craft the Batter:
Whisk together fine flour and cocoa powder until well combined. Beat soft butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and lightened. Add eggs, and mix until smooth and shiny.
Blend the wet ingredients:
Incorporate buttermilk, purple food coloring, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients while mixing until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Finally, add baking soda and vinegar, and divide the batter evenly between the pans.
Bake with Precision:
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely on wire racks.
Produce the Frosting:
Beat the soft cream cheese and butter mixture until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl as needed. Beat the mixture until it is fully incorporated and fluffy.
Assemble with Charm:
Frost cooled cakes and decorate as you see fit.