Luxurious Black Velvet Cake 🖤🍰
A Deep, Dark, Moist Cake with Velvety Texture and Elegant Cream Cheese Frosting
When you’re in the mood to go beyond basic chocolate cake and create something truly eye-catching and decadent, this Luxurious Black Velvet Cake delivers in every way. It’s rich and ultra-moist, with a deep color from cocoa and optional black food coloring, perfectly balanced by a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday dinner, or a luxe dinner party, this cake earns its place at the center of the table.
Why I Love This Cake
There’s something about black velvet that feels a little dramatic—in the best way. This cake is a darker, richer spin on classic red velvet, but without the food dye-forward flavor. The texture? Soft, tender, and velvety. The taste? Pure indulgence, thanks to cocoa, buttermilk, and a creamy frosting that ties it all together.
Bonus: it looks like something from a high-end bakery, but it’s totally achievable at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ cup hot water
- 2 tbsp black food coloring (optional, for that deep dramatic hue)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk, to loosen the texture)
Directions
🔥 Step 1: Prep Your Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment rounds.
🖤 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
🥄 Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Vinegar
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
💧 Step 4: Add Hot Water and Color
Gradually pour in the hot water (this enhances the cocoa flavor and loosens the batter).
Add black food coloring if using. Mix until the batter is smooth. It will be thin—don’t worry!
🍰 Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and cream.
Beat until smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Assemble Your Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or edible gold leaf for a luxurious finish.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients make all the difference for smooth batter and frosting.
- Don’t skip the vinegar—it reacts with baking soda to give the cake that classic velvet texture.
- Black food coloring is optional but highly recommended if you want that bold, black finish.
- Freeze layers for 30 minutes before frosting for neater, crumb-free decorating.
Pair It With These Favorites
Make your dessert table unforgettable by pairing your Black Velvet Cake with a few other showstoppers:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – chewy, gooey indulgence
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – perfect contrast to your baked masterpiece
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies – bold and nutty next to the silky black velvet
- Grasshopper Pie – cool minty flavor meets dark chocolate
- Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies – crispy, chewy, legendary
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store the frosted cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. Let come to room temp before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Make-ahead tip: Bake the layers one day in advance and frost just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with both looks and flavor, this Luxurious Black Velvet Cake is it. Bold in appearance, deep in flavor, and luscious in texture—it’s everything a celebration cake should be.
If you make it, tag us on social @chefmaniac or leave a comment with your own twist—we love seeing your creations!
Ready to wow your guests? Start preheating that oven. 🖤🎂✨
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