Black Velvet Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, Dark Color: The striking black color gives this cake a unique and dramatic look.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cocoa powder and coffee intensify the chocolate taste without making it overly sweet.
• Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to buttermilk and oil, the cake remains soft and tender.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, Halloween, or a fancy dinner party, this cake will impress!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened black cocoa powder (or Dutch-processed cocoa)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Frosting (Cream Cheese or Buttercream):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Slowly pour in the hot coffee or water while mixing, ensuring the batter remains smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream (if needed) to achieve the desired consistency.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
3. Smooth the frosting with a spatula and decorate as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Ganache Topping: Drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the cake for extra decadence.
• Oreo Black Velvet Cake: Crush some Oreos into the batter for a cookies-and-cream twist.
• Vegan Option: Use almond milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk, and substitute eggs with flax eggs.
• Black Velvet Cupcakes: Use the same batter for cupcakes and adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
• Reheating: Let the cake sit at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

What makes Black Velvet Cake different from Red Velvet Cake?

Black Velvet Cake has a deeper chocolate flavor and uses black cocoa powder instead of food coloring.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa?

Yes, but the cake will have a lighter chocolate color and flavor.

Can I make this cake without coffee?

Yes, you can substitute hot water for coffee, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

What frosting pairs best with Black Velvet Cake?

Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even chocolate ganache work well.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can make the cake dry. Check with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

How do I make this cake more moist?

Adding an extra tablespoon of oil or buttermilk can help keep the cake moist.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them before serving.

Can I turn this into a sheet cake?

Yes, pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Is this cake kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just ensure the coffee is replaced with hot water if you prefer.

Conclusion

Black Velvet Cake is a luxurious, rich, and moist dessert that stands out with its bold dark color and deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!

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