Black Velvet Cake

Here’s a rich and delicious Black Velvet Cake recipe  a darker, more dramatic cousin of the classic Red Velvet Cake, typically using black cocoa powder to achieve its deep color and distinctive flavor.

🍰 Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (60g) black cocoa powder (such as King Arthur Black Cocoa)

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) hot water or hot coffee (coffee enhances chocolate flavor)

Optional: Black food coloring

• Add a few drops if you want a jet-black color

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 – 3 ½ cups (360–420g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: Black cocoa or dark food coloring for contrast

🧁 Instructions

Make the Cake:

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

2. Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the sugars, oil, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

5. Add hot water/coffee: Slowly mix in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth (batter will be thin).

6. Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add vanilla and salt.

3. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Adjust sweetness or thickness as needed.

🎂 Assembly:

1. Level cake layers if needed.

2. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate, spread a generous layer of frosting.

3. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides.

4. Optional: Decorate with black sprinkles, crushed Oreos, or a dark chocolate ganache drizzle.