Description
This Decadent Black Velvet Cake is a rich and moist layered chocolate cake made with black cocoa powder for an intense deep color and flavor. It features a luscious dark cocoa buttercream frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s velvety texture. Ideal for celebrations or chocolate lovers seeking an elegant twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (preferably black cocoa)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup dark cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Hot Coffee: Carefully stir in the hot coffee or boiling water. The batter will become thin, which is expected and will result in a moist cake.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Sift together powdered sugar and cocoa powder, gradually adding to the butter while beating on low speed.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost one layer with buttercream, place the other layer on top, and frost the entire cake. Smooth or create swirls on the frosting as desired.
Notes
- Black cocoa powder provides the cake’s signature deep black color and rich flavor; substituting with regular cocoa powder will result in a lighter color and less intense taste.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting or a dark chocolate ganache for an extra decadent variation.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and coffee for the best depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
