Description
Silky black velvet cake brings midnight elegance to classic dessert traditions. Rich chocolate layers promise indulgent flavor combinations with smooth cream cheese frosting that will make dessert lovers swoon.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Dry Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (30 g) unsweetened black cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Cake Wet Ingredients and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1.75 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) hot coffee
- 1 tablespoon black food gel
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare baking workspace by positioning oven rack in center and heating to 350F. Coat two round cake pans with butter and line with parchment paper for seamless cake release.
- Sift together all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring no lumps remain. This process creates a uniform texture for the cake’s foundation.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth emulsion.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. This technique prevents overmixing and maintains the cake’s delicate structure. Gently stir in hot coffee and black food coloring until batter achieves a silky, uniform appearance.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans, using a spatula to distribute smoothly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a consistent golden surface and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow to rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling rack, permitting layers to reach room temperature before frosting or assembling.
Notes
- Achieve deep black color by using high-quality black food gel or activated charcoal powder sparingly to prevent bitter taste.
- Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for smoother batter integration and more even cake texture.
- Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined for tender crumb.
- Substitute dairy ingredients for vegan version by using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg replacer for inclusive dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg