Description

This Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a strikingly dark and delicious dessert perfect for celebrating the spooky season. Made with black cocoa powder for a rich color and flavor, this moist cake is layered with creamy cream cheese frosting and can be decorated with Halloween-themed toppers for a festive touch.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened black cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 cup hot water
Black gel food coloring (optional, for deeper color)

Frosting Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare pans and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and black gel food coloring if using, until smooth.
Create batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add hot water: Slowly stir in the hot water until the batter is thin and evenly combined, ensuring a moist cake texture.
Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place on wire racks to cool completely.
Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble and decorate: Frost the cooled cake layers evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with chocolate shards, dark sprinkles, or Halloween-themed cake toppers for a spooky finish.

Notes

Black cocoa powder gives the cake its signature deep color and rich chocolate flavor.
For a more intense black color, add black gel food coloring to the wet ingredients.
Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
Decorate creatively with chocolate shards, dark sprinkles, and Halloween-themed toppers to enhance the spooky aesthetic.
This cake serves 12 generous slices, perfect for parties.