Description
Rich cocoa and deep crimson hues define this Black Velvet Cake, a luxurious dessert that marries Southern charm with modern elegance. Chocolate lovers will delight in its velvety texture and intense flavor, making it a showstopping centerpiece for special celebrations you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (100 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
Liquid and Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
Coloring Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) black food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
- Create a dry mixture by sifting flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine buttermilk, boiling water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and black food coloring until well integrated.
- Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a smooth, even batter consistency.
- Distribute batter equally between prepared cake pans, ensuring even layer depth.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean when fully baked.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating unsalted butter and cream cheese until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Incrementally add powdered sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture, whipping until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
- Incorporate vanilla extract into the frosting, mixing thoroughly.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, generously apply cream cheese frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface.
- Optional: Embellish with black and white sprinkles and fresh berries for decorative presentation.
Notes
- Achieve deep black color by using high-quality black food coloring or activated charcoal powder for a more intense, dramatic look.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that bakes perfectly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurements and mixing technique.
- Control moisture by not overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture instead of a light, tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg