Spooky Black Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert any eerie-themed gathering. This cake boasts a rich, velvety texture with a dark chocolatey flavor and is tinted a striking black for dramatic effect.
With layers of smooth frosting and haunting decorations, this cake is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of deliciously spooky flair to your celebration.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Ingredients Overview
- Cake Base: The key to this cake’s moist and tender texture lies in using buttermilk and oil.
- Black Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor and a natural black hue.
- Gel Food Coloring: Enhances the black color for a spooky, dramatic appearance.
- Frosting: A luscious cream cheese or buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with the rich cake layers.
- Decorations: Optional spooky touches like candy spiders, edible glitter, or black sprinkles elevate the theme.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup black cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water or coffee (for a richer chocolate flavor)
- Black gel food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Black gel food coloring (optional)
For Decorations (Optional):
- Black sprinkles
- Candy spiders or bats
- Edible glitter
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until combined.
- Combine and Add Color:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water or coffee. Stir until smooth. If desired, add black gel food coloring for an extra dark hue.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. Add black food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread frosting between the cooled cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with an offset spatula.
- Decorate:
- Add spooky decorations like black sprinkles, candy spiders, or edible glitter to enhance the theme.
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more vibrant and won’t alter the cake’s texture.
- Coffee Boost: Use hot coffee instead of water for a deeper chocolate flavor.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the richness.
- Pair with hot cocoa or a pumpkin spice latte for a festive fall treat.
- Add a spooky-themed cocktail for adult gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cocoa powder?
Yes, but the cake will be lighter in color. To achieve a similar dark hue, increase the black food coloring.
How do I store the cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them closer to serving time.
Serving Suggestions
This spooky cake is a stunning centerpiece for parties, haunted gatherings, or gothic-themed celebrations. Slice it into generous portions, and watch your guests enjoy the rich, velvety delight!
Spooky Black Velvet Cake
Spooky Black Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert any eerie-themed gathering. This cake boasts a rich, velvety texture with a dark chocolatey flavor and is tinted a striking black for dramatic effect.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup black cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water or coffee for a richer chocolate flavor
- Black gel food coloring optional
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 –4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Black gel food coloring optional
- For Decorations Optional:
- Black sprinkles
- Candy spiders or bats
- Edible glitter
- Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until combined.
- Combine and Add Color:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water or coffee. Stir until smooth. If desired, add black gel food coloring for an extra dark hue.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. Add black food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread frosting between the cooled cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with an offset spatula.
- Decorate:
- Add spooky decorations like black sprinkles, candy spiders, or edible glitter to enhance the theme.
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