When it comes to chocolate cakes, few can match the dramatic appeal of a Black Velvet Cake. Its deep, dark hue, moist layers, and luscious fudge frosting make it a dessert worth savoring. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a Halloween party, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper.
What makes this cake truly unique is the use of black cocoa powder, which gives it its rich color and a flavor reminiscent of Oreo cookies. Paired with a creamy black fudge frosting, every bite is indulgent yet perfectly balanced. And while it may look like something out of a professional bakery, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Black Velvet Cake Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The black cocoa powder gives this cake a deep chocolate flavor that’s less sweet and more intense.
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to ingredients like buttermilk, oil, and hot coffee, the cake is tender and stays moist for days.
- Elegant Appearance: Its striking black color makes it perfect for special occasions or themed celebrations.
- Customizable: You can decorate it to fit any theme, from sophisticated elegance to spooky Halloween vibes.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, the recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this stunning dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – The base of the cake, providing structure.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups – Sweetens and adds moisture.
- Black Cocoa Powder: ¾ cup – Creates the signature color and deep flavor.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Helps the cake rise.
- Baking Soda: 1½ teaspoons – Adds lift and tenderness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, room temperature – Adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist.
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup – Keeps the cake tender.
- Large Eggs: 2, room temperature – Bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Hot Coffee: 1 cup – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps the batter mix smoothly.
For the Black Fudge Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), melted – Provides a rich base for the frosting.
- Black Cocoa Powder: 1 cup – For a bold chocolate flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the flavor.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup (more as needed) – Creates a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist and tender cake. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake the cakes for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Black Fudge Frosting
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and black cocoa powder, stirring until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing to incorporate.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Beat the frosting on medium speed until it’s smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of black fudge frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting between each layer.
Once the layers are stacked, apply a thin coat of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
After chilling, spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula for a polished look.
Step 4: Decorate (Optional)
For a spooky Halloween theme, decorate the cake with edible black sprinkles, sugar bats, or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache. For a more elegant look, consider piping decorative frosting swirls or adding chocolate curls on top.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the batter mixes evenly and the cake bakes uniformly.
- Hot Coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. If you’re not a fan of coffee, hot water can be used instead.
- Even Layers: Weigh the batter in each pan to ensure even cake layers.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Smooth Frosting: Use a bench scraper or offset spatula for a professional-looking finish.
Black Velvet Cake Recipe Variations
- Marble Cake: Swirl in a vanilla batter to create a striking black-and-white marble effect.
- Berry Compote: Add a layer of raspberry or cherry compote between the cake layers for a fruity contrast.
- Chocolate Ganache Drip: Drizzle a glossy chocolate ganache over the top for added elegance.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or pecans between the layers for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~70g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~300mg
Storage and Freezing of Black Velvet Cake
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This Black Velvet Cake with Fudge Frosting is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With its moist, rich layers and creamy black fudge frosting, it’s a cake that’s as delicious as it is stunning. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.
What’s more, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite flavors and decorations. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with toppings, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.
I’d love to hear how your Black Velvet Cake turns out! Share your photos and any creative twists in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me on social media. Let’s make every celebration a little sweeter, one slice at a time. 🎂🍫✨
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Black Velvet Cake with Fudge Frosting: A Rich, Decadent Treat
- Total Time: ~2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This black velvet cake features moist, chocolatey layers made with black cocoa powder, paired with a rich fudge frosting. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
- For the Cake: All-purpose flour (2 cups), granulated sugar (2 cups), black cocoa powder (¾ cup), baking powder (2 tsp), baking soda (1½ tsp), salt (1 tsp), buttermilk (1 cup), vegetable oil (½ cup), eggs (2), vanilla extract (2 tsp), hot coffee (1 cup).
- For the Frosting: Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted), black cocoa powder (1 cup), powdered sugar (4 cups), vanilla extract (2 tsp), salt (½ tsp), heavy cream (½ cup).
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round pans.
- Mix dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients and add to dry mixture. Stir in hot coffee.
- Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by mixing melted butter, cocoa powder, and other ingredients. Adjust cream for consistency.
- Layer cakes with frosting, apply crumb coat, chill, then finish frosting.
- Decorate as desired and serve!
Notes
- Substitute hot coffee with water if preferred.
- Gradually cool the cake to prevent cracks.
- Store at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American