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Are you looking for a dessert that stands out from the crowd and wows your guests? Look no further! This Black Velvet Cake Recipe is a true masterpiece, with its deep, rich chocolate flavor and stunning dark color that’s sure to capture attention. Paired with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the kind of cake that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also leave a lasting impression at any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or hosting a family gathering, this cake is perfect for the task.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this beautiful and decadent cake from scratch. Let’s dive into the Black Velvet Cake Recipe and learn how to make it from the comfort of your own kitchen!
The Story Behind the Black Velvet Cake
While the Red Velvet Cake is a well-known classic, the Black Velvet Cake Recipe offers a deeper, more intense flavor profile that’s sure to please chocolate lovers. It combines the familiar tenderness of a traditional velvet cake with a bold cocoa taste, making it a more sophisticated alternative. The addition of red food coloring enhances the cake’s deep, dark color, which is what gives it its dramatic “black” appearance.
The Black Velvet Cake Recipe is versatile enough for any occasion and can be customized with your favorite fillings or toppings. However, when paired with the luscious cream cheese frosting, it creates a rich balance of flavors and textures that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Black Velvet Cake
To make this incredible Black Velvet Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (choose a high-quality cocoa for the best flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 4 tablespoons red food coloring (for the signature black hue)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions for Black Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are well blended. This is the foundation of your Black Velvet Cake Recipe, so be sure to mix thoroughly for an even texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The buttermilk adds a slight tang to the cake, which balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cocoa.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until combined. The batter will be thick at this stage. Gradually add the boiling water to the mixture, and mix until smooth. The boiling water not only thins the batter but also helps dissolve the cocoa, ensuring a rich chocolate flavor throughout.
Step 5: Add the Red Food Coloring
To achieve the signature dark color of the Black Velvet Cake, add the 4 tablespoons of red food coloring to the batter. Stir until the color is evenly distributed. While this step might seem surprising, the red food coloring is essential to give the cake its stunning black hue.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; the cakes should be moist and tender.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. This helps the cakes firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the pans. After 10 minutes, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. Do not attempt to frost the cake until it has fully cooled to room temperature, as frosting a warm cake can result in melting.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the Black Velvet Cake Recipe with its tangy flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate cake.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to frost! Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. The smooth cream cheese frosting will contrast beautifully with the dark, velvety cake. For a decorative touch, you can use a piping bag to create decorative swirls or add sprinkles of cocoa powder for extra flair.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Black Velvet Cake Recipe is frosted and beautifully decorated, it’s time to serve! Slice and enjoy the soft, moist layers of cake paired with the creamy frosting. This cake is sure to be a hit at any celebration.
Tips for the Perfect Black Velvet Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This ensures that your batter mixes smoothly, giving you the best texture for your cake.
- Don’t Skip the Red Food Coloring: While it may seem unusual to add red food coloring to a chocolate cake, it’s crucial to achieving the deep black color. Don’t be afraid to use the full 4 tablespoons for the best result.
- Make It Ahead of Time: The Black Velvet Cake Recipe actually gets better after a day or two. The flavors have time to meld, and the cake becomes even moister, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
- Substitute the Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Velvet Cake Recipe
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Yes, this cake can be made in advance and stored for a couple of days. Simply store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. The Black Velvet Cake Recipe actually tastes better the next day!
Can I Freeze Black Velvet Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! You can freeze the individual cake layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, allow the layers to thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Can I Use a Different Frosting?
While cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this cake, you can switch it up by using chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting. You could even add a layer of chocolate mousse for a richer dessert experience!
How to Make Your Black Velvet Cake Recipe Even More Special
If you’re looking to make your Black Velvet Cake Recipe even more decadent, consider adding layers of ganache or filling the center with a rich, indulgent mousse. For a festive touch, sprinkle edible gold dust on top or add a few fresh berries to balance out the sweetness.
For additional inspiration on cake decorating and cake-making tips, check out this article to learn more tricks from professionals.
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Black Velvet Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Black Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert with a rich chocolate flavor and a stunning dark color. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 ½ cups buttermilk
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
– 4 tablespoons red food coloring
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Slowly add the boiling water and food coloring, mixing until well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
8. Once the cakes are cooled, spread a layer of frosting between the two cake layers and then frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per slice