If you love the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake but want something even more dramatic, this Black Velvet Cake is for you! With its deep, midnight black color, moist crumb, and hint of cocoa, this cake is as stunning as it is delicious.

Whether you’re making it for Halloween, a gothic-themed party, or just because you love bold desserts, this cake is guaranteed to turn heads and satisfy cravings!

Let’s get baking! 🖤✨

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ultra-Moist & Velvety: Thanks to buttermilk, butter, and oil for the softest texture.
✔️ Deep, Dark Color: Black cocoa + black food coloring = a striking cake with a gothic vibe.
✔️ Rich, Slightly Chocolatey Flavor: Just a hint of cocoa, not too sweet or overpowering.
✔️ Perfect for Special Occasions: Halloween, birthdays, or a dramatic wedding cake!

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

This cake has a mild cocoa flavor with a hint of vanilla, a light tanginess from the buttermilk, and a luxuriously soft, velvety texture. It’s not as rich as chocolate cake, but it has a deep, complex flavor that’s perfect for layering with cream cheese or vanilla frosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾 (for a soft, tender crumb)
• 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬 (perfectly sweet)
• 1 cup buttermilk 🥛 (adds moisture & subtle tang)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈 (for richness)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil 🛢️ (keeps it ultra-moist)
• 2 large eggs 🥚 (adds structure)
• 2 tbsp black cocoa powder ⚫ (creates a deep, dark chocolate taste)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫 (balances the flavor)
• 1 tsp baking powder 🎂 (for lift)
• ½ tsp baking soda 🌿 (helps with rise)
• ½ tsp salt 🧂 (balances the sweetness)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar 🍶 (reacts with baking soda for fluffiness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿 (adds warmth & depth)
• Black food coloring (gel or paste) ⚫ (for an intense black hue)

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀 (for tangy richness)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 3 cups powdered sugar 🍚
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed for consistency) 🥛

Tools You’ll Need

✔️ Two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ Electric mixer or stand mixer
✔️ Whisk & spatula
✔️ Cooling rack

How to Make Black Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, regular cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, vegetable oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavoring

1️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2️⃣ Stir in vanilla extract and white vinegar.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

1️⃣ Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture.
2️⃣ Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!

Step 6: Add Food Coloring & Bake

1️⃣ Stir in black food coloring a little at a time, until the batter reaches a deep black color.
2️⃣ Divide batter evenly between the cake pans.
3️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

1️⃣ Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
3️⃣ Stir in vanilla extract.
4️⃣ If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a smoother consistency.

Step 8: Assemble & Frost

1️⃣ Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
2️⃣ Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
3️⃣ Smooth out the frosting or create decorative swirls.
4️⃣ Garnish with black sprinkles, edible glitter, or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra drama!

What to Serve with Black Velvet Cake

🍓 Fresh Berries: Adds a pop of color & freshness.
☕ Espresso or Coffee: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy contrast to the rich cake.
🍷 Red Wine or Champagne: Pairs wonderfully for a special occasion.

Tips for the Best Black Velvet Cake

✔️ Use Black Cocoa Powder: This gives the cake its deep, dark color and smooth chocolate taste.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Buttermilk & Vinegar: These ingredients react with the baking soda for a perfectly tender texture.
✔️ Use Gel or Paste Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring won’t be as intense.
✔️ Chill the Cake Before Slicing: This helps the layers firm up for cleaner cuts.
✔️ Make It Extra Fancy: Decorate with gold leaf, black sanding sugar, or edible pearls for a luxe look.

Variations & Fun Twists

🎃 Halloween-Themed Black Velvet Cake: Decorate with orange frosting or candy eyeballs!
🍒 Black Forest Velvet Cake: Add cherry filling between layers for a black forest twist.
🔥 Spicy Chocolate Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
🖤 Oreo Black Velvet Cake: Crushed Oreos in the frosting for an Oreo-inspired twist.

How to Store & Freeze

❄️ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
🔥 Bring to Room Temp: Let it sit for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
🧊 Freeze: Wrap cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this without black cocoa powder?
Yes! Use regular cocoa powder, but the color will be lighter.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make your own! Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.

4. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Try whipped cream frosting or dark chocolate ganache.

Wrapping It Up 🖤🍰✨

This Black Velvet Cake is moist, dramatic, and completely unforgettable—a perfect showstopper for any occasion! Whether you’re making it for Halloween, a birthday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your gorgeous cakes! 😍✨

Happy baking, and enjoy every decadent bite! 😊🖤🍰