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If you have a soft spot for rich, deeply chocolatey desserts with a showstopping appearance, you are going to adore this Black Velvet Cake Recipe. It’s a stunning twist on traditional chocolate cakes, featuring the magic of black cocoa powder that delivers an intense, velvety flavor and a dramatic jet-black crumb. This cake is decadently moist, paired with a luscious black cocoa buttercream that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy night in, this Black Velvet Cake Recipe will become your new favorite go-to for unforgettable indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is simple and every item plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Black Velvet Cake. From the rich black cocoa that gives it its signature color, to the buttermilk which keeps the crumb tender, each component enhances the texture and flavor beautifully.

Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the cake.
Cake flour: Ensures a delicate crumb with just the right softness.
Black cocoa powder: Provides the intense, dramatic black color and deep chocolate flavor unique to this cake.
Bicarbonate of soda: Helps the cake rise and contributes to a tender texture.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a perfect lift and lightness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, balancing the sweetness.
Hot water or coffee: Enhances the chocolate richness and helps dissolve the batter smoothly.
Neutral oil (grapeseed or rice bran): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
Vanilla extract: Delivers warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Dark chocolate: Finely chopped for pockets of melty richness inside the cake.
Butter (room temperature): The base for the luxurious black cocoa buttercream.
Caster sugar: Sweetens the buttercream while helping it stay silky smooth.
Water (room temperature): Lightens the buttercream for the perfect spreadable consistency.
Black cherries, blackberries, purple and gold sprinkles: Stunning garnishes that add bursts of flavor and visual flair.

How to Make Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line two round baking tins—one 8-inch and one 4-inch deep—to ensure easy removal after baking. Proper prep here is key to achieving clean layers for assembling your cake later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cake flour, black cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder. This step ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly combined, so your cake will bake uniformly with that signature black color throughout.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir the buttermilk with the neutral oil and vanilla extract for a smooth, fragrant mixture. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before gradually adding the hot water or coffee. The warmth of the liquid helps the cocoa bloom, intensifying the chocolate flavor.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Slowly add the wet ingredients into your dry mix, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to combine everything beautifully. Then, fold in the finely chopped dark chocolate for delicious melty pockets in every bite.

Step 5: Bake Your Layers

Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared tins. Pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of deep cocoa and warm vanilla. Once done, let the layers cool completely before you tackle the frosting and assembly.

Step 6: Make the Black Cocoa Buttercream

Beat the softened butter, caster sugar, and black cocoa powder together on low speed for about a minute until combined. Gradually pour in the water and vanilla, then increase the speed until the buttercream is silky, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable. This rich frosting complements the cake’s intense chocolate flavor with its creamy texture and slightly bittersweet cocoa essence.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Carefully slice each cooled cake layer horizontally into two even pieces, creating four layers total. Spread a generous layer of black cocoa buttercream between each. Then cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting. For a show-stopping finish, use a 1A piping tip to pipe dainty buttercream dollops all over. This step turns your cake from delicious to downright dazzling.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Garnish your cake with black cherries, blackberries, and shimmering purple and gold sprinkles. These striking decorations not only echo the cake’s dark elegance but add delightful bursts of flavor and texture. Now, your Black Velvet Cake is ready to wow everyone lucky enough to have a slice!

How to Serve Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Top off your Black Velvet Cake with fresh black cherries and blackberries for natural sweetness and a pop of color, with a sprinkle of purple and gold to add sparkle and glamour. These little extras elevate the cake’s look and add layers of complementary flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake with a simple side of fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense cocoa flavor. A cup of rich coffee or strong black tea pairs beautifully, rounding out a decadent dessert experience without overpowering the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering individual portions in elegant glass cups with extra berries for a stunning dessert parfait, or serve thin slices alongside dipped dark chocolate truffles for a sophisticated dessert platter. The bold black velvet appearance makes it ideal for themed parties or celebrations that call for a dramatic yet delicious centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover Black Velvet Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to four days, perfect for enjoying little indulgent slices over the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled cake or just the layers before frosting. Wrap each layer or the whole cake securely in cling film, then place in a freezer-friendly box or bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing or serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so let leftovers warm up slightly after refrigeration. Buttercream frosting isn’t intended to be heated, so avoid microwaving whole slices. Instead, bring them out of the fridge early for the creamiest, richest flavor and texture.

FAQs

What makes the Black Velvet Cake different from a regular chocolate cake?

The key difference is the use of black cocoa powder, which has a more intense, almost bittersweet chocolate flavor and gives the cake a signature deep black color that sets it apart visually and taste-wise.

Can I substitute the hot coffee for water?

Yes, you can use hot water if you prefer, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor by making it more pronounced and complex, so it’s recommended if you want that extra depth.

Is it necessary to use cake flour for this recipe?

Cake flour helps achieve a tender and light crumb, so it’s ideal. If unavailable, you can substitute all-purpose flour but expect a slightly denser texture.

How do I store leftover buttercream?

Buttercream should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated and bring it back to room temperature before using, then beat lightly to restore fluffiness.

Can this Black Velvet Cake Recipe be made into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 18–22 minutes for cupcakes and keep a close eye on them. The buttercream frosting works beautifully on cupcakes too, making for an elegant treat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Black Velvet Cake Recipe that makes it stand out in any dessert lineup. Its rich flavor, stunning color, and creamy buttercream make every bite a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how easily it becomes a beloved favorite for you and everyone you share it with!

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