Description
This Black Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert with its bold black cocoa flavor, velvety texture, and natural gothic appearance. Perfect for Halloween, gothic-themed events, or any special occasion, it’s rich, moist, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup black cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and brewed coffee.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, alternating between the two. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and black cocoa. Mix in vanilla and heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble and Decorate: Frost and stack the cooled cake layers. Decorate as desired with frosting, edible silver pearls, or fondant details.
Notes
- For a lighter frosting, replace some black cocoa with regular cocoa powder.
- Cake layers can be made ahead and stored in plastic wrap for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Add raspberry jam or chocolate ganache between the layers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 slices)
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Black Velvet Cake, black cocoa cake, chocolate velvet cake, Halloween cake