Description
Black Velvet Cake is a rich, deeply colored chocolate cake made with black cocoa powder, which lends a unique Oreo-like flavor. This layered dessert features moist cake layers paired with a creamy black cocoa buttercream frosting, perfect for those who love dramatic and decadent chocolate cakes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (such as black cocoa)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the frosting (black cocoa buttercream):
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup black cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add these wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Then, slowly pour in the hot water or brewed coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition. Add the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over it. Top with the second cake layer and apply frosting evenly to the top and sides. Smooth out or create swirls with the frosting as desired for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Black cocoa powder provides the cake’s signature rich color and Oreo-like flavor.
- If black cocoa powder is unavailable, dark Dutch-processed cocoa can be used as a substitute.
- For extra flair, decorate the finished cake with black sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
