Description
Rich black velvet cake delivers dramatic chocolate elegance with silky cream cheese frosting. Dark layers promise indulgent Southern charm you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (dark or black cocoa preferred)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water
Leavening Agents:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare cake pans by heating oven to 350F and coating two 9-inch round pans with grease and flour or parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dark powder mixture.
- Incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, whisking until a smooth, fluid consistency develops.
- Gently fold boiling water into batter, ensuring a thin, even texture throughout the mixture.
- Carefully distribute batter equally between prepared cake pans.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into cake’s center.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire cooling rack.
- Cream butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Gradually sift powdered sugar and cocoa powder into butter, blending until completely integrated.
- Mix in vanilla extract and milk, adjusting liquid to create a spreadable frosting consistency.
- Position first cake layer on serving plate, generously spreading frosting across surface.
- Carefully place second cake layer on top, covering entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Embellish cake with chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or fresh berries for sophisticated presentation.
Notes
- Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a low-carb adaptation.
- Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra richness.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg