Magical Black Velvet Cake Recipe: Rich & Dreamy Dessert

Rich and luxurious black velvet cake changes ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Midnight-dark chocolate creates a dramatic visual spectacle that captivates bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Deep cocoa notes intertwine with smooth, silky textures to produce an elegant masterpiece.

Sophisticated ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a decadent treat that transcends traditional cake expectations.

Subtle hints of complex flavors dance across the palate, offering a sensory journey beyond simple sweetness.

Remarkable for its stunning appearance and remarkable taste, this cake promises a delightful adventure in baking creativity.

Professional and home bakers will find immense satisfaction in crafting this show-stopping dessert.

Why Black Velvet Cake Is a Showstopper Dessert

• Indulge in Rich Chocolate Decadence: Black velvet cake delivers an intense, deep chocolate experience with multiple layers of dark, luxurious flavor profiles that dance on your taste buds.
• Master a Professional-Level Baking Challenge: This recipe requires precision techniques like weighing batter, using a stand mixer, and creating smooth frosting, making it perfect for bakers wanting to elevate their skills.
• Embrace Unique Textural Delights: The cake offers a tender, moist crumb complemented by silky, glossy frosting that provides a sophisticated contrast in every single bite.
• Wow Guests with Impressive Presentation: With its elegant swooped frosting and dramatic dark color, this cake becomes a stunning centerpiece that transforms any gathering into a memorable celebration.

Ingredients for Dramatic, Moist Black Velvet Cake

• Black Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Powder: Deep, rich chocolate base with intense dark color and robust flavor; high-quality, Dutch-processed varieties provide best results.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds depth and smooth chocolate intensity; choose chips with good melting properties.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation for cake; unbleached flour recommended.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender cake texture.
• Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agent for cake's rise and texture.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Buttermilk, Canola Oil, Eggs: Moisture and richness creators; room temperature ingredients ensure smooth mixing.
• Hot Coffee: Deepens chocolate flavor and helps activate cocoa's richness; can substitute with hot water.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth to cake's flavor profile.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious frosting texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy base and rich flavor for frosting.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

How to Bake a Striking and Delicious Black Cake

Step 1: Create Decadent Chocolate Frosting

Melt butter and salt in a pot over medium heat.

Whisk in heavy cream and sugar, stirring occasionally until nearly boiling.

Stir in chocolate chips until completely melted and smooth.

• Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• Black cocoa powder

Add hot chocolate mixture to stand mixer bowl.

Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Fold in vanilla extract.

Refrigerate frosting for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Vegetable oil
• Sugar
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk hot coffee with black cocoa powder.

Blend coffee mixture into cake batter.

Divide batter evenly among cake pans.

Bake for 25-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool cakes completely on wire rack.

Step 3: Assemble Stunning Cake

Let frosting reach room temperature.

Whip frosting briefly in stand mixer.

Place first cake layer on serving board.

Pipe frosting between each cake layer.

Position final layer upside down for flat top.

Chill cake for 30-60 minutes.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Create decorative swirls using back of spoon.

Add final decorative touches.

Slice and serve this luxurious Black Velvet Cake.

Tips for Deep Flavor and Silky Texture

• Cocoa Quality Matters: Choose high-quality Dutch-processed and black cocoa powders for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake.
• Coffee Boost: Use freshly brewed hot coffee to intensify the chocolate's depth and create a more complex taste profile.
• Precise Baking: Weigh your cake batter for perfectly even layers, ensuring uniform baking and a professional-looking final result.
• Frosting Temperature Trick: Let the frosting come to room temperature gradually to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency without losing its rich texture.
• Smooth Finishing Touch: Use an offset spatula and create gentle swoops in the frosting for a professional and visually appealing cake decoration.

Best Storage and Reheating for Velvet Cake Slices

Store in Airtight Container: Place leftover cake slices in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent frosting from sticking.

Refrigerate Promptly: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften frosting.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

What to Pair with a Slice of Black Velvet Cake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, dark chocolate flavors of the Black Velvet Cake with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which will enhance the cake's deep cocoa notes and creamy texture.
• Serve with Espresso Martini: The intense coffee undertones in the cake find a perfect match with an espresso martini, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that balances sweetness and bold coffee flavors.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool down the cake's richness with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, providing a smooth, light contrast to the dense chocolate cake and creating a delightful temperature and flavor balance.
• Accompany with Salted Caramel Drink: A salted caramel latte or cocktail will beautifully highlight the cake's chocolate depth, adding a complementary sweet and salty dimension to the dessert experience.

Stunning Cake Variations for More Velvet Treats

• Mocha Velvet Cake: Replace hot coffee with strong espresso and add a hint of coffee liqueur to intensify the rich chocolate flavor.
• Red Berry Velvet Cake: Incorporate fresh raspberries or strawberries between cake layers and garnish with berry compote for a fruity contrast.
• Salted Caramel Velvet Cake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between layers and top with caramel shards for a decadent upgrade.
• Nutty Chocolate Velvet Cake: Fold chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds into the batter and sprinkle crushed nuts on the frosted cake for extra crunch.

Black Velvet Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Midnight Black Velvet Cake brings Southern charm with deep cocoa richness and silky cream cheese frosting. Dark chocolate layers promise luxurious indulgence that draws chocolate enthusiasts into a world of pure delectable elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup black cocoa powder
• ½ cup canola oil
• 2 large eggs

Chocolate and Cocoa Components:

• 1 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• ⅔ cup + 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅔ cup hot coffee (or hot water)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1⅔ cups + ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a silky chocolate frosting by melting butter and salt in a pot over medium heat, then whisk in heavy cream and sugar until nearly boiling.
2. Incorporate chocolate chips into the hot mixture, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
3. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a stand mixer bowl containing Dutch-processed and black cocoa powders, blending thoroughly until lump-free.
4. Mix in vanilla extract and refrigerate the frosting for a minimum of 4-6 hours, allowing it to set completely.
5. Prepare cake pans by lining three 6-inch rounds with parchment paper and preheating the oven to 350°F.
6. Combine dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until well integrated.
7. In a large bowl, blend oil and sugar, then introduce buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, creating a smooth liquid base.
8. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a uniform cake batter.
9. Whisk hot coffee with black cocoa powder until completely smooth, then fold into the cake batter.
10. Distribute batter evenly among prepared pans, using a food scale for precision.
11. Bake cake layers for 25-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
12. Allow cakes to cool completely in their pans, then carefully remove and place on a wire rack.
13. Bring refrigerated frosting to room temperature, then briefly mix to restore smooth consistency.
14. Assemble the cake by layering frosting between each cake layer, positioning the final layer upside down for a level surface.
15. Chill the assembled cake to firm the frosting, then generously coat the entire cake with remaining frosting.
16. Create decorative texture using the back of a spoon, making elegant swoops across the surface.
17. Garnish as desired and serve the elegant black velvet cake.

Notes

• Whip up this luxurious chocolate frosting by melting butter with cream and sugar, creating a velvety smooth base.
• Blend Dutch-processed and black cocoa powders into the hot chocolate mixture for an intense, deep flavor profile.
• Refrigerate the frosting overnight to develop rich, complex chocolate notes that will elevate your cake’s taste.

• Prep Time: 6 hours
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg