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I'm so excited to share my Halloween twist on classic red velvet cake. After countless requests from my blog readers I finally perfected this black velvet version. It's everything we love about red velvet but with a deliciously dark and dramatic look that's perfect for spooky season. The rich color and moist texture make this cake an absolute showstopper at Halloween parties.
The Secret to That Deep Dark Color
My kitchen adventures led me to discover black cocoa and it's been a game changer. It gives the cake this incredible Oreo cookie flavor that everyone loves. While I usually order my black cocoa online you can totally use dark Hershey's cocoa too. I've tried both and while the color isn't quite as dramatic with regular dark cocoa the taste is still amazing.
What You'll Need
- Black Cocoa: 1 cup; ensure it's high-quality for the richest flavor and darkest color.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, room temperature; contributes to the cake's signature moistness and tang.
- Flour: 2 ½ cups, properly measured by spooning into the cup and leveling, or weighed with a kitchen scale.
- Eggs: 3 large, at room temperature; ensure even mixing.
- Butter: 1 cup, unsalted and softened; for a tender crumb.
- Sugar: 2 cups; enhances sweetness and structure.
- Baking Powder: 2 tsp; for proper rise.
- Baking Soda: 1 tsp; balances acidity from buttermilk and cocoa.
- Black Gel Food Coloring (optional): 1 tsp; only if using dark cocoa instead of black cocoa.
Let's Bake Together
- First Things First
- Pull out your butter eggs and buttermilk early so they can warm up. Get your oven heating to 350°F and prep your cake pans with a good coating of butter or baking spray.
- Mix Your Dry Ingredients
- Grab your sifter and combine all those dry ingredients. This step is super important for getting rid of any cocoa lumps trust me.
- Get That Butter Fluffy
- Beat your butter and sugar until it's super light and fluffy. This usually takes me about 4 minutes and it's worth every second.
- Bring It All Together
- Add those eggs one at a time then alternate between your buttermilk and dry ingredients. Don't overmix we want this cake tender.
- Into The Oven
- Pour your batter evenly into your pans and bake until they're just right about 30 minutes. Let them cool completely before you even think about frosting.
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Making It Extra Special
My family goes crazy for this cake with classic cream cheese frosting. The tanginess pairs so perfectly with the rich cake. Sometimes for Halloween parties I'll color the frosting black too it looks absolutely stunning. Just remember to have everything at room temp when you make your frosting it makes such a difference in the texture.
Make It Ahead
I love that I can make this cake ahead of time. The layers freeze beautifully just wrap them well. I often make extra frosting and keep it in the freezer it's such a time saver. Once you've put it all together the cake stays fresh in the fridge for a week which makes it perfect for busy holiday planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this cake in advance?
- Yes, you can make the cake layers ahead and freeze them. The frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to a month or frozen for up to 3 months.
- → How long does this cake stay fresh?
- A frosted cake will last in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for a month. The buttercream helps lock in moisture and keep it fresh.
- → Why is my cake batter thin?
- The batter is supposed to be on the thin side. This helps create a moist, tender cake texture.
- → How do I get even cake layers?
- Use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter as you divide it between pans. This ensures even layers that bake at the same rate.
- → Can I use regular cocoa powder?
- Black cocoa powder is key for the dramatic color and unique flavor. Regular cocoa will work but won't give you the same striking appearance.
Conclusion
This spectacular black velvet cake is a chocolate lover's dream.Made with rich black cocoa powder, the cake delivers an intense chocolate experience with its three moist layers and decadent dark chocolate buttercream. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with a truly stunning dessert.