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Black Velvet Halloween Cake

A moist slice of black velvet halloween cake with rich chocolate frosting.

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A dramatic, jet-black cocoa cake with a tender crumb, perfect for spooky season celebrations. This showstopper cake features dark frosting and gothic decor, making it an ideal party centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened black cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened black cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, 3/4 cup black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1/2 cup black cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and spreadable. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
  12. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining frosting.
  13. Decorate with Halloween-themed candies, edible glitter, or gothic-inspired toppers as desired.

Notes

  • For an even darker color without artificial dyes, use black cocoa powder.
  • Ensure your buttermilk is at room temperature for best results.
  • A crumb coat of frosting can help create a smoother finish on your cake. Apply a thin layer of frosting, chill the cake for 30 minutes, then apply the final layer.

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