Description
This Decadent Black Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the deep richness of chocolate with the luxurious texture of velvet cake. With a moist, soft crumb and a slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect indulgence for special occasions, celebrations, or any time you crave an elegant and delicious treat. The deep black color adds a dramatic flair, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon black food coloring (or more for a deeper black color)
- 1 cup hot water or coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Add the black food coloring to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Add Hot Water or Coffee: Slowly add the hot water or coffee to the batter and stir gently until the batter is smooth and thin. This will create a wonderfully moist cake.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake will be rich and moist.
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Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until fluffy and smooth.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cake layers. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
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Serve and Enjoy: Decorate the cake with additional chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or any other decorative touches if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy the decadent black velvet cake!
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, you can substitute the hot water with brewed coffee, which will enhance the chocolate flavor even more.
- The food coloring can be adjusted to your preference; you can add more or less for a darker or lighter cake.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: black velvet cake, decadent cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, rich cake, special occasion dessert, velvet cake