What is Blue Velvet Cake?

Published on September 16th, 2024

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLUE VELVET CAKE

Cake lovers have likely heard of — and indulged in — red velvet cake, but its cousin, blue velvet cake, is gaining a following of its own. Blue velvet cake is similar to red velvet cake — it’s just a bolder blue version of the famed Southern cocoa cake.

One of the most popular cake flavors, red velvet cake became popular in the 20th century and a blue version soon followed. Bakeries like Carousel Cakes make a beautiful Blue Velvet Layer Cake (and a classic Oprah’s Favorite Red Velvet Cake) and cool Blue Velvet Cupcakes.

Ranging from sky blue to teal to navy, blue velvet cake is a beautiful cake that is as delicious as its pretty color. But what is blue velvet cake made of? What does it taste like and why is it blue? Grab a fork. We’re taking a slice out of everything you need to know about blue velvet cake.

What is blue velvet cake made of?

Blue velvet cake is made of flour, sugar, eggs, white vinegar and buttermilk, non-Dutch processed cocoa powder and, oftentimes, vanilla. Some recipes also call for almond flavoring too.

Unlike red velvet cake, which gets its bright red color from a chemical reaction between the acidic vinegar and red compounds called anthocyanins in the cocoa powder, blue velvet cake gets its blue hue from blue and violet food coloring.

What flavor is blue velvet cake?

Blue velvet cake is a type of chocolate cake. It’s made with a hint of unsweetened cocoa giving it a mild chocolate taste and vinegar and buttermilk, which give it a slightly tangy taste. It’s often frosted with cream cheese frosting, enhancing the tanginess, or buttercream. Some recipes call for almond in the cake batter, which can also be detected in the taste.

What does blue velvet cake taste like?

Blue velvet cake tastes like a very mild chocolate cake. It has a soft, moist crumb. Some bakers simply make vanilla cake and tint it blue, but true blue velvet cake follows the red velvet cake recipe and only deviates in cake color.

The “velvet” in its name refers to the smooth texture that is created thanks to ingredients like cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar, making this a delicious cake with a moist, not overly sweet taste.

What’s the difference between red velvet cake and blue velvet cake?

The difference between red velvet cake and blue velvet cake is simple: the color. The ingredients are usually identical but there are variations with recipes. What makes red velvet and blue velvet cakes unique, aside from their bright colors, is the addition of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and white vinegar.
Some recipes for blue velvet cake also call for almond. Variations of velvet cake include pink velvet cake with pink-tinted vanilla cake and purple velvet cake with a classic cocoa-infused velvet cake recipe and lavender colored cake.

Read More: Red Velvet Cake vs Chocolate Cake: What’s the Difference?

Why is my blue velvet cake green?

Your blue velvet cake is green because of the interaction of yellow egg yolks and blue food coloring (yellow and blue, when mixed, creates a green color). To correct this, simply add a few drops of violet food coloring to the batter.

Oprah’s Favorite Blue Velvet Layer Cake

Read More: What Is Red Velvet Cake and Why Is It Red?

We’re feelin’ blue…for blue velvet cake! America’s top bakers are whipping up the best blue velvet cakes and shipping them nationwide on Goldbelly!