Black Velvet Cake is a grown up, rich dessert that is also, rich, dark intense chocolate in taste and black velvety in color. Both black cocoa and unsweetened cocoa powder play a role in this cake’s intense chocolate flavor, and buttermilk, along with a bit of vinegar, gives it a tender, moist crumb. It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for special occasions, when you want a dessert that makes a statement, in flavor or visual interest.
The dark black color is achieved through the use of black cocoa powder and food coloring, which provides a rich color but no soapy flavor. The method of alternating dry ingredients and buttermilk helps the batter combine smoothly and evenly, and the baking soda/vinegar combo gives it a nice light fluffy texture!
When cool, you can frost this cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache or buttercream of your choice, making an unforgettable dessert that’s decadent and visually impressive.
Why You’re Going to Love This Black Velvet Cake:
- Deep Chocolate Flavor — The blend of black cocoa with regular cocoa powder gives you a richer chocolate flavor than any ordinary chocolate cake.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Buttermilk, oil and butter all work together to keep this cake soft and moist for a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Perfect for Layering and Topping with a Frosting – The cake’s deep black color makes it a gorgeous canvas for contrasting frostings, like cream cheese or vanilla buttercream for a striking presentation.
- Unique and Eye-Catching – The deep black color and soft texture of this cake is hard to miss, making it an ideal choice for themed events, Halloween, or as an unexpected alternative to traditional chocolate or red velvet cake.
