Black Velvet Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that makes a bold statement yet remains irresistibly smooth and decadent, let me introduce you to the Black Velvet Cake. This cake is something truly special—the rich, deep chocolate flavor comes from black unsweetened cocoa powder, delivering a luxurious black hue and intense cocoa notes that regular chocolate cakes just can’t match. Paired with a luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting, every bite melts in your mouth, simultaneously delighting and surprising. Whether you’re serving it for a celebration or indulging in a quiet moment at home, the Black Velvet Cake will sweep you off your feet with its unique flavor and striking appearance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Velvet Cake lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes significantly to the cake’s moist texture, rich flavor, or signature deep color, ensuring an effortless yet extraordinary baking experience.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together in a soft, tender crumb.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the bold cocoa without overwhelming the palate.
¾ cup black unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to the cake’s dramatic black color and deep chocolate intensity.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the cake to give it a light, airy structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to ensure perfect rise and tenderness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while cutting through the sweetness.
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds moisture and tang for a delicate crumb and subtle lift.
½ cup vegetable oil: Helps keep the cake moist without heaviness.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Provide rich structure and softness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with warm, floral notes.
1 cup hot black coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully without tasting like coffee.
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): For a creamy, smooth frosting base.
1 cup cream cheese (room temperature): Adds tang and creaminess to the luscious frosting.
1 cup black unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with rich chocolate depth matching the cake.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the sweetness and balances the cocoa.
½ teaspoon salt (for frosting): Elevates flavors and cuts through richness.
5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting gracefully while adding structure.
⅔ cup heavy cream (room temperature): Lightens the frosting for easy spreading and piping.
1⅓ cups dark chocolate chips (melted and cooled): Enrich the frosting with glossy texture and intense flavor.

How to Make Black Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then set them aside. This step is crucial so your cake layers come out perfectly shaped without sticking—prepping ahead here makes the baking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Getting these ingredients well combined ensures even flavor and texture throughout your Black Velvet Cake and avoids any unwanted clumps of cocoa or leavening agents.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. These wet ingredients bring moisture, richness, and depth to your cake batter, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness you’ll adore.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Coffee

Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking gently just until smooth—don’t overmix! Then, pour in the hot black coffee and stir carefully but thoroughly. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and helps dissolve the cocoa powder for that signature velvety texture and dark color.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans, gently tapping them on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick poked through the center comes out clean. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen—the first joyous sign that your Black Velvet Cake is coming to life.

Step 6: Let the Cakes Cool

Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the layers fully is essential before frosting so your frosting stays smooth and creamy rather than melting away.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until silky and creamy. Add the black cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing on low to combine evenly. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly as you go, and incorporate heavy cream halfway through to get the perfect fluffy consistency. Finally, fold in the melted dark chocolate until the frosting is rich and luxuriously smooth—this frosting will make your Black Velvet Cake truly unforgettable.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread a layer of frosting on top. Carefully add the second cake layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth the edges or go for a rustic look—either way, this cake is visually stunning. For that finishing touch, consider some decorative toppings like shavings or glitter to elevate your Black Velvet Cake even more.

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

Pop the finished cake into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This step helps the frosting set beautifully and enhances the flavors as they meld together, resulting in that perfect Black Velvet Cake experience you’re craving.

How to Serve Black Velvet Cake

Garnishes

While the Black Velvet Cake is stunning on its own, a few simple garnishes can take it to the next level. Try dusting with silver or gold edible glitter for an elegant sparkle, adding dark chocolate shavings for a textural contrast, or topping with fresh blackberries which provide a delightful tart contrast to the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

This Black Velvet Cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you prefer a beverage, a rich cup of espresso or robust black tea complements the cake’s intense chocolate notes perfectly, creating an indulgent but balanced dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, consider serving slices of your Black Velvet Cake on individual plates with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a little dollop of whipped cream piped alongside. Even layering the cake with edible flowers or nuts adds a stunning visual flair and flavor dimension that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep your Black Velvet Cake covered tightly and refrigerated. This cake is rich and moist, so refrigeration preserves its freshness and texture while preventing the frosting from softening too much. Proper storage will keep it delicious for up to five days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake if you want to prepare ahead or save slices for later. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and your Black Velvet Cake will taste just as fresh and spectacular as the day you baked it.

Reheating

While cakes like this are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you want to warm a slice slightly, do so gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warming slightly lifts the flavors without melting the frosting, giving you a wonderfully soft and cozy taste experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute regular Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but keep in mind the cake won’t have the same striking black color or quite as intense chocolate flavor as with black cocoa powder.

Is there a coffee flavor in this cake?

The hot black coffee enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste, so if you’re not fond of coffee flavor, it won’t be noticeable at all.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt this recipe, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk and a bit of vinegar, replace eggs with a vegan alternative, and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter. However, results will vary and might not be as rich as the original.

How do I get my frosting smooth and easy to spread?

If your frosting feels too thick, simply add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired smooth, spreadable consistency.

Can I bake this cake in pans other than 9-inch rounds?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind baking times might vary with different pan sizes or shapes—always test with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you try this Black Velvet Cake, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s that perfect combination of dramatic appearance and irresistible flavor that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make. Whether for a festive occasion or simply a treat to brighten your day, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite. So grab those ingredients, fire up your oven, and create a cake that’s as stunning to look at as it is to savor!

Ingredients You’ll Need