🎉 Introduction
Move over red velvet — it’s time for something even bolder! This Black Velvet Cake is moist, tender, and richly chocolatey, with a striking midnight-black hue. Unlike the classic red version, this cake uses black gel food coloring and cocoa to create its dramatic look, while still keeping that soft crumb and slight tang we love about velvet cakes.
It’s the perfect dessert for Halloween, gothic-themed parties, or anyone who loves elegant, moody desserts. Best of all, it only requires 7 simple ingredients for the cake itself, and a luscious cream cheese frosting to finish things off.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk & spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
🛒 Ingredients
🥚 Fresh Produce:
- 3 large eggs
🌾 Dry & Pantry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp black gel food coloring
🥛 Dairy:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
🥄 Fats:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Prepare Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, butter, and oil together until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and black gel food coloring.
- Gradually add dry mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until a smooth batter forms.
Step 2 – Bake the Cakes
6. Divide batter evenly between the pans.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3 – Make the Frosting
9. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fluffy.
11. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4 – Assemble the Cake
12. Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a plate, spread with frosting.
13. Add second layer, then frost outside of cake.
14. Smooth with an offset spatula, and finish with sprinkles or edible glitter if desired.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Frosting & Assembly: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
🥄 Variations
- Black & Gold Theme: Decorate with edible gold leaf or gold sprinkles for an elegant party cake.
- Gothic Halloween: Add spooky toppers like bats or skulls.
- Cupcake Version: Bake batter in cupcake tins (18–20 minutes).
- Marbled Look: Swirl some white frosting through the black cake for a spooky smoke effect.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Why is it called velvet cake?
For its soft, velvety texture created by the combination of buttermilk and cocoa. - Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel is better — liquid won’t achieve the deep black color without affecting texture. - What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice. - Does the black food coloring affect taste?
No, gel food coloring is flavorless. - Can I make this into a sheet cake?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 40 minutes. - Is this cake the same as red velvet?
Very similar, but with black coloring instead of red. - Can I add more chocolate flavor?
Stir ½ cup melted dark chocolate into the batter. - Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce granulated sugar by ¼ cup without much impact. - How do I prevent dry cake?
Don’t overbake, and measure flour accurately. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free buttermilk (plant milk + vinegar), vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese.
🏁 Conclusion
This Black Velvet Cake is dramatic, indulgent, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight. With its moist crumb, rich cocoa flavor, and striking appearance, it’s the perfect centerpiece for Halloween, gothic celebrations, or whenever you want to wow your guests with a unique dessert.
Black Velvet Cake with 7 Ingredients – Dark, Lush & Irresistible
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Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, butter, and oil together until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and black gel food coloring.
- Gradually add dry mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until a smooth batter forms.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a plate, spread with frosting.
- Add second layer, then frost outside of cake.
- Smooth with an offset spatula, and finish with sprinkles or edible glitter if desired.
Notes
For its soft, velvety texture created by the combination of buttermilk and cocoa. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel is better — liquid won’t achieve the deep black color without affecting texture. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice. Does the black food coloring affect taste?
No, gel food coloring is flavorless. Can I make this into a sheet cake?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 40 minutes. Is this cake the same as red velvet?
Very similar, but with black coloring instead of red. Can I add more chocolate flavor?
Stir ½ cup melted dark chocolate into the batter. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce granulated sugar by ¼ cup without much impact. How do I prevent dry cake?
Don’t overbake, and measure flour accurately. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free buttermilk (plant milk + vinegar), vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese. 🏁 Conclusion
This Black Velvet Cake is dramatic, indulgent, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight. With its moist crumb, rich cocoa flavor, and striking appearance, it’s the perfect centerpiece for Halloween, gothic celebrations, or whenever you want to wow your guests with a unique dessert.
