Decadent Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup Dutch-processed dark cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (for richer flavor)

• 2 tsp black gel food coloring (or adjust to preferred darkness)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: black food coloring or sifted cocoa powder for a dramatic finish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and black food coloring until smooth.

• Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, mixing just until incorporated.

• Slowly add the hot water (or coffee), whisking until the batter is thin and silky.

• Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

• Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

• Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

• For a darker, more dramatic frosting, incorporate black gel food coloring or a touch of cocoa powder.

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Frost and Assemble

• If needed, level the cakes using a serrated knife.

• Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then frost the outside of the cake.

• Optional: Drizzle with dark chocolate ganache for a moody, gothic flair.

• Garnish with black sprinkles, chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or whipped cream.

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Tips & Variations

• Deepest color: Use black cocoa powder for maximum intensity.

• Filling twist: Add a layer of raspberry or cherry compote between the cake layers.

• Glam it up: Top with blackberries, edible flowers, or a dusting of shimmer for an elegant finish.

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Serve & Enjoy

Slice your masterpiece and watch everyone fall under the spell of this rich, dramatic, and irresistibly delicious Black Velvet Cake.