Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake
A strikingly dark and moist cake, this black velvet treat is perfect for Halloween. It's a fun twist on the classic red velvet, boasting a rich cocoa flavor and a tender, velvety crumb.
Equipment
- 9-inch cake pans
- large bowls
- whisk
- electric mixer
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons black gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons (optional) milk or cream
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl, making sure there are no lumps.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients, including the black gel food coloring.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until incorporated, then mix in vanilla extract.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost and decorate as desired.
Notes
For an extra spooky effect, decorate with gummy worms, edible spiders, or a drizzle of red gel frosting to mimic blood.