Easy Purple Velvet Cake Recipe for a Show-Stopping Dessert

Unveil a showstopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious! This Purple Velvet Cake combines the rich, velvety texture of a classic red velvet with a vibrant purple twist. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a glamorous treat, this cake proves you can indulge in elegance without compromising your wellness journey. A guilt-free masterpiece that’s sure to impress and delight—every slice is pure magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weight Watchers-Friendly: 4 SmartPoints® per slice (Blue Plan).
• Visually Stunning: Vibrant purple layers make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
• Decadent Yet Balanced: Creamy frosting and moist crumb with smart ingredient swaps.
• Easy to Customize: Gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free options included!

Ingredients 

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15 oz) sugar-free vanilla cake mix (or gluten-free 1:1 cake mix)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces oil)
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Purple gel food coloring (adjust for desired vibrancy)

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve Confectioners)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip Lite)

Optional Garnish:

• Edible gold dust, fresh berries, or sugar-free sprinkles.

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven:
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter:
   In a bowl, whisk cake mix, cocoa powder, applesauce, egg whites, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth. Stir in purple food coloring (start with 1 tsp, add more for deeper color).
3. Bake:
   Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting:
   Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar substitute, and vanilla until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   Layer cooled cake rounds with frosting. For a single-layer cake, spread frosting evenly over the top. Add optional garnish.

Nutrition & SmartPoints®

Per slice (1/12 of cake with frosting):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 3g
• SmartPoints®: 4 (Blue Plan)

Points may vary with substitutions (e.g., gluten-free mix or vegan cream cheese).

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Glam: Pair with zero-point sparkling water infused with citrus.
• Brunch Star: Serve alongside fresh fruit skewers (0 points).
• Birthday Bash: Add rainbow sprinkles (+1 SmartPoint®) for festive flair.

Pro Tips

• Natural Color: Use beet or purple sweet potato puree instead of food coloring (adjust batter consistency).
• Lighter Layers: Bake in a sheet pan and cut into squares for portion-controlled servings.
• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs, dairy-free yogurt, and vegan cream cheese.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap unfrosted cake layers and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Extra Moist: Brush cooled cake layers with sugar-free simple syrup (1 tsp vanilla + 1/4 cup water).

Why This Cake Supports Your Goals

• Smart Swaps: Applesauce and Greek yogurt slash fat without sacrificing moisture.
• Protein-Packed Frosting: Reduced-fat cream cheese adds satiating protein.
• Portion Control: Pre-sliced servings keep indulgence in check.

This Purple Velvet Cake is a celebration of flavor, color, and balance. With its velvety crumb, creamy frosting, and eye-catching hue, it’s a dessert that dazzles the senses while aligning with your SmartPoints® budget. Whether for a special occasion or a “treat yourself” moment, this cake lets you savor luxury—guilt-free!