Black Velvet Cake is a rich, dramatic dessert with a deep black hue and indulgent chocolate flavor. Made with black cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a blend of butter and oil, this cake delivers a super moist, velvet-soft texture and a slightly tangy, balanced sweetness. It’s perfect for Halloween, special occasions, or when you want to impress without complicated ingredients. With its showstopping color and melt-in-your-mouth crumb, this cake is as striking as it is delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp black cocoa powder

  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

• Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 tbsp white vinegar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Black food coloring gel or paste (to desired color)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in vegetable oil, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract and vinegar.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, both cocoas, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Alternate Mixing: Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.

6. Color the Batter: Add black food coloring a few drops at a time, stirring until you reach your desired deep shade.

7. Bake: Divide batter between the two pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Nutrients (Per serving, approx. 10 servings)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Protein: ~6g

• Fat: ~22g

  • Saturated Fat: ~10g

• Cholesterol: ~70mg

• Sodium: ~200mg

• Sugar: ~25g

Why Black Velvet Cake is So Popular

Black Velvet Cake is loved for its bold appearance and rich flavor. The use of black cocoa powder gives the cake its signature deep black color, and the tanginess of the buttermilk pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake. The slight bitterness of the black cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making it a chocolate lover’s dream.

What sets this cake apart from a traditional chocolate cake is the combination of butter and oil in the batter. This not only ensures a moist and tender texture but also provides a richness that makes each bite feel luxurious. The slight acidity from the buttermilk adds a touch of balance, preventing the cake from being overly sweet while enhancing its soft, velvety crumb.

Black Velvet Cake is perfect for occasions where you want something special and dramatic without the need for complicated ingredients. Whether for Halloween, a birthday, or an anniversary, it makes an unforgettable impression.

How to Make Black Velvet Cake

Making Black Velvet Cake is straightforward, and the results are sure to impress. Here’s how to prepare this decadent dessert:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes and is crucial for achieving the soft, airy texture of the cake.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vegetable oil to the butter-sugar mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and white vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise, contributing to its soft texture.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevents clumping.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with the dry, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake. The batter should be smooth and thick.

Step 6: Color the Batter

Add the black food coloring gel or paste a few drops at a time, stirring until you reach your desired deep black color. Keep in mind that the cake will bake darker, so don’t be afraid to go a little darker than you think.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should rise slightly and develop a golden brown crust.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Cooling the cakes completely is important to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

Black Velvet Cake is perfect for both casual and special occasions. Its deep, striking color makes it an ideal choice for Halloween, where it can serve as a spooky yet elegant dessert. But this cake is also fantastic for birthdays, anniversaries, or any event where you want to make an impression.

The richness of the cake combined with its velvety texture makes it a decadent treat that will please anyone who loves chocolate. It’s also a versatile dessert—while it’s stunning on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of frostings, including cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream. The cake can also be served plain for a more subtle presentation or dressed up with fresh berries and whipped cream for a luxurious dessert.

Conclusion

Black Velvet Cake is a striking and delicious dessert that combines the deep flavor of chocolate with the richness of a velvety, moist cake. Whether you’re looking to make a statement at a party or just want a decadent treat to enjoy, this cake is sure to impress. With its dramatic color and melt-in-your-mouth crumb, it’s the perfect dessert for Halloween, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in something special.

Simple to make but with a showstopping effect, Black Velvet Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a good chocolate treat with a twist. Whether served with frosting, whipped cream, or plain, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.