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Blue velvet cake mix is a fun twist on the traditional red velvet cake, with a unique and vibrant blue color. Blue velvet cake has the same flavor as red velvet cake: a fluffy vanilla cake with a dash of chocolate.
A toothpick with royal blue food coloring and a tiny drop of violet food coloring is used to obtain the beautiful blue tint. This tiny amount of violet contributes to the right color without turning the cake turquoise.
One interesting fact about blue velvet cake mix is that it is perfect for serving at a gender reveal party. The blue color of the cake can be used to reveal the gender of a baby boy, while a pink velvet cake can be used to reveal the gender of a baby girl.
Another interesting fact is that velvet cakes, including blue velvet cake, are almost always made with buttermilk. The combination of buttermilk, cocoa powder, vinegar, and cake flour softens the proteins in the cake flour, resulting in a finer, smoother texture than other cakes.
What’s the Difference Between Red Velvet and Blue Velvet Cake Mix?
Blue velvet cake stands out with its vibrant blue color, offering a slightly smoother texture compared to traditional red velvet cake. It is achieved by using royal blue and a touch of violet food coloring instead of the red coloring typically found in red velvet cake.
Why Does My Blue Cake Turn Green?
There are several reasons why a blue cake might turn green:
- Yellowish batter: If the cake batter was yellowish before adding the blue food coloring, it might turn green instead of blue.
- Yellow ingredients, such as eggs and butter, can also turn the batter green.
- Blue mixed with yellow: Blue mixed with yellow can create green, so if too much yellow is present in the batter, the blue food coloring might turn the cake green.
- Acidic ingredients: Acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar can also affect the final color of the cake, making brown colors in particular.
To avoid a blue cake turning green, starting with a white or almost white batter is recommended, and using white food coloring to turn the mixture white before adding the desired color. Alternatively, natural food coloring, such as red cabbage, can achieve a blue color without the risk of turning green.
Blue Velvet Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon blue gel food coloring
- ½ cup buttermilk powder
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda.2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly until well combined.1½ teaspoon baking powder, 1½ teaspoon baking soda
- Add blue gel food coloring (adjust for desired color) to the dry ingredients and mix well.1 tablespoon blue gel food coloring
- If preparing a cake mix for storage, vegetable shortening to the dry mix, using a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.¼ cup vegetable shortening
- Alternatively, if using the mix soon, omit the vegetable shortening for now.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour cake pans or line a cupcake pan with liners.Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans or liners.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes for cakes or 15-20 minutes for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes or cupcakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating.
