Quick Black Velvet Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Crafting a decadent black velvet cake brings pure magic to your dessert table.

Midnight-dark cocoa transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Rich chocolate undertones create a luxurious depth that surprises every single slice.

Smooth cream cheese frosting complements the deep ebony crumb with elegant simplicity.

Unexpected ingredients whisper secrets of indulgence through each tender morsel.

Weekend bakers and professional pastry artists alike will fall in love with this dramatic dessert.

You can definitely make this showstopping cake that promises to steal the spotlight at any celebration.

Why Black Velvet Cake Feels So Rich And Bold

• Create Show-Stopping Dessert: Craft a dramatic black velvet cake that transforms ordinary baking into a stunning culinary masterpiece perfect for impressing guests.
• Simplify Baking Process: Follow straightforward steps using common ingredients and basic mixing techniques that make creating this sophisticated cake accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Customize Decorative Potential: Experiment with different frosting designs, edible decorations, or color variations to personalize the cake and match various celebration themes or personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Deliver rich, moist chocolate cake with tangy cream cheese frosting that appeals to multiple taste preferences and guarantees delightful reactions from family and friends.

What You’ll Need For Black Velvet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's structure and moisture.

• Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil, White Vinegar: Work together to create a moist and tender cake crumb with subtle tangy notes.
• Black Food Coloring: Creates the distinctive dark, dramatic appearance of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the overall flavor of the dessert.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide a rich, creamy base for the frosting with a tangy undertone.
• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Add sweetness and depth to the cream cheese frosting.

How To Bake The Best Black Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F and coat two 9-inch round cake pans with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure no stubborn lumps remain in the mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Black food coloring
• White vinegar
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully to form a dark, uniform batter. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Fill the Cake Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops, ensuring an even surface for perfect baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting

In a mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until they become creamy and fully combined.

Step 9: Finish the Frosting

Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick, generous layer of frosting on top.

Step 11: Final Layer and Frosting

Carefully position the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating a smooth, even surface.

Step 12: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips For Perfectly Moist Black Velvet Cake

• Maximize Color Intensity: Use gel-based black food coloring for deeper, more vibrant black cake color without altering batter consistency.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop excess gluten and create a tough, dense cake texture.
• Ensure Even Baking: Rotate cake pans halfway through baking to guarantee uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven browning.
• Keep Frosting Smooth: Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Control Moisture Level: Check cake doneness with a toothpick test, ensuring it comes out clean but not overbaked, which can dry out the cake.

Cool Ways To Switch Up Black Velvet Cake

• Midnight Marbled Magic: Replace black food coloring with dark chocolate and swirl in midnight blue gel coloring for a sophisticated marbled effect.
• Velvet Berry Bliss: Fold fresh blueberry puree into the batter and top the frosting with fresh mixed berries for a fruity variation.
• Chocolate Espresso Dream: Add 2 tablespoons of strong espresso powder to the dry ingredients and sprinkle cocoa-dusted espresso beans on top for a rich coffee undertone.
• Lavender Luxe Layer: Incorporate dried lavender buds into the batter and use lavender-infused cream cheese frosting for an elegant herbal transformation.

What To Serve With Black Velvet Cake

• Pair with Creamy Irish Coffee: Brew a rich, smooth Irish coffee with whiskey and top with lightly whipped cream to complement the cake's deep chocolate notes.
• Enhance with Dark Berry Sangria: Mix robust red wine with blackberries, dark cherries, and a splash of brandy to echo the cake's dark, luxurious color and provide a fruity contrast.
• Match with Salted Caramel Espresso Martini: Craft a sophisticated cocktail blending espresso, vodka, and salted caramel liqueur that highlights the cake's intense flavor profile and provides a sophisticated adult pairing.
• Serve alongside Chocolate Raspberry Sorbet: Create a light, refreshing palate cleanser with intense chocolate and tart raspberry notes that beautifully balance the cake's rich cream cheese frosting.

How To Store Black Velvet Cake Without Drying It Out

• Place the cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days if serving soon. Cover with a cake dome or loosely tent with foil to protect from dust and air.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire frosted cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place wax paper between individual slices when storing in the container to prevent sticking and maintain the cake's appearance.

Black Velvet Cake FAQs Answered

• Why is black food coloring used in this recipe?

Black food coloring creates the distinctive deep, dark color that makes Black Velvet Cake unique, providing a dramatic contrast to the white cream cheese frosting and setting it apart from traditional red velvet cake.

• What role does vinegar play in the cake batter?

Vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a tender, soft cake texture by breaking down the protein in flour and helping the cake rise more evenly during baking.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using in the recipe.

Black Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent black velvet cake merges deep chocolate richness with luxurious cocoa undertones, creating a dessert that whispers elegance and southern charm. Sweet layers of midnight-dark cake promise pure chocolate bliss for passionate bakers craving sophisticated decadence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup black food coloring
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Leavening and Binding Agents:

• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, black food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform dark batter forms without overmixing.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove cakes from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a mixer until creamy and fully incorporated.
9. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until smooth and fluffy.
10. Once cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting.
11. Carefully position the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
12. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Choose high-quality black food coloring for a deep, rich black color without affecting the cake’s flavor.
• Replace buttermilk with equal parts Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy moisture boost if unavailable.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more uniform cake batter that blends easily.
• Cool cake layers completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 62 g
• Sodium: 406 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg