Purple Ombre Layer Cake
Tips and Variations
To get your sides really smooth, you can use a turntable along with a bench scraper. For a natural purple color, substitute some of the buttermilk with blueberry puree and adjust the amount of blueberry puree you use. For baby showers, you can also do a pink to white ombre and for St. Patrick’s Day use green. For a citrusy flavor, add some lemon zest to the batter. For cupcakes, separate the batter and put them in the liners, then bake for 18-22 minutes. If you want your cake to be even taller, go for 6 thin layers instead of 4.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make the layers ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake and wrap the layers and store them at room temperature for 2 days or freeze them for up to a month.
Q: Why does it taste better the next day?
A: The notes of the vanilla and the berry (if you used puree) will meld overnight. The moisture will also redistribute, making the cake softer with a more cohesive crumb.
Q: What if my colors look uneven?
A: For uneven colors, mix the gel coloring thoroughly in each portion. You have better color control with gel rather than liquid.
Q: Can I skip the oil?
A: The cake will be drier without the oil. You can use less butter than what you were planning to use to substitute for the oil.
Q: How do I get perfect ombre?
A: For the best ombre look, add color in small increments and test the color with a spoonful before you start dividing it.
Q: Can this cake sit out at room temperature?
A: It can sit out for 4 hours at room temperature, if you want to keep the frosting firm then refrigerate it.
