Description
A rich and dramatic Black Velvet Cake with deep cocoa flavor, moist crumb, and a luscious cream cheese frosting perfect for celebrations or Halloween.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dark or black cocoa preferred)
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free substitute)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot brewed coffee or hot water
Black gel food coloring (optional, for extra intensity)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Carefully pour in hot coffee (or water) and mix until batter is thin and combined.
5. Add a few drops of black gel food coloring if desired.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
8. Prepare frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
9. Frost cooled cake layers with cream cheese frosting. Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
For the darkest color, use black cocoa powder plus a touch of black gel food coloring.
Cake layers can be baked ahead, wrapped tightly, and frozen up to 1 month.
Store frosted cake in refrigerator up to 4 days; bring to room temp before serving.
This recipe adapts well with gluten-free flour blends.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Black Velvet Cake, Dark Chocolate Cake, Halloween Dessert