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Moist Halloween Black Velvet Cake with rich chocolate buttercream frosting

Halloween Black Velvet Cake

A dramatic yet easy dessert that captures the spirit of Halloween with its dark color and soft, chocolatey crumb, perfect for any festive gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup black cocoa powder Provides dark color and flavor
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Balances the intensity of black cocoa
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil Keeps the cake moist
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water Enhances the chocolate flavor
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened For a tangy frosting
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing them and adding parchment circles, dusting lightly with cocoa powder.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa, unsweetened cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a larger bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then slowly pour in the hot coffee or water, mixing until the batter is thin but well combined.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the centers spring back lightly and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  2. Let the layers cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Once the cake layers are cool, frost the top of one layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides as desired. Decorate with Halloween-themed decorations if you wish.

Notes

Chill the cake layers for 30-45 minutes before frosting for better handling. If making cupcakes, fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 16-20 minutes until set.