Black Velvet Halloween Cake

This Black Velvet Halloween Cake transforms the familiar comfort of chocolate cake into a spellbinding treat perfect for the eerie ambiance of Halloween night. Its striking black color paired with creamy tangy frosting makes it a showstopper for any gathering during the spooky season. This cake captures the mood of Halloween without relying on typical orange or red hues, offering a sophisticated twist on dessert that’s as delicious as it is mysterious.

I first baked this during a Halloween party where everyone was amazed at the deep black color. It quickly became the star of the night and a new tradition that my friends look forward to every year.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: for a classic, soft cake texture choose unbleached if available for better flavor
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: combine to give depth and moisture packed brown sugar enhances richness
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: provides deep chocolate notes opt for Dutch processed if you want a smoother flavor
• Baking soda and baking powder: help the cake rise perfectly, creating a tender crumb
• Salt: balances sweetness and accentuates the chocolate flavor
• Large eggs at room temperature: for better emulsification and structure
• Buttermilk: adds acidity which tenderizes the cake and reacts with baking soda for leavening
• Vegetable oil: keeps the cake moist and soft longer than butter alone
• Vanilla extract: for natural aroma and sweetness
• White vinegar: amplifies the black color when combined with cocoa and baking soda
• Black food coloring: to achieve the rich black hue gel or paste works best to avoid thinning the batter
• Hot coffee: intensifies the cocoa flavor and adds moisture
• Cream cheese: softened for smooth, tangy frosting
• Butter: softened for richness and creamy texture in frosting
• Powdered sugar: for sweetness and smooth frosting texture
• Vanilla extract in frosting: adds warmth and depth
• Pinch of salt in frosting: to balance sweetness
• Halloween decorations: such as plastic spiders, candy eyes, and orange sprinkles to create festive appeal

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two nineinch round pans by greasing them well and dusting with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and enhance the chocolate flavor.

Mix dry ingredients:

Whisk together in a large bowl the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which helps the cake rise evenly and have a uniform texture.

Mix wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until lightly frothy, then add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and white vinegar, mixing thoroughly until the wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth to help create an even cake batter.

Combine wet and dry:

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.

Add food coloring:

Add the black food coloring by teaspoons, stirring carefully until the batter turns a deep, dramatic black color that is essential for the Halloween effect you want to achieve.

Add hot coffee:

Slowly incorporate the hot coffee into the batter while mixing at low speed. The batter will become thin, but this step is crucial for a moist, tender crumb and intensified chocolate flavor.

Divide batter:

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Bake:

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.

Cool cakes:

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully invert them onto wire racks to cool completely, which prevents the frosting from melting during assembly.

Make frosting:

To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately three to four minutes for the best texture.

Add powdered sugar:

Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and easily spreadable.

Assemble layers:

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then add the second cake layer.

Frost cake:

Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, using a spatula to create dramatic drips that cascade down the sides for a gothic look.

Decorate:

Finish by decorating with Halloween themed decorations such as plastic spiders, candy eyes, or orange sprinkles to bring the spooky vibe to life and delight your guests.

I love how the coffee intensifies the chocolate without tasting bitter its depth brings this cake to another level. One year my kids were so impressed they refused to eat any other dessert at the party.

Storage Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness refrigerate for longer storage but bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy full flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap buttermilk with whole milk plus one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed, letting it sit for five minutes before using. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a subtle nutty flavor, keeping the cake moist. If you don’t have black food coloring, experiment with very concentrated activated charcoal powder or black cocoa powder but expect a different texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair slices with a cup of spiced chai or hot chocolate to enhance the cake’s cozy yet mysterious flavors. Add fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and tartness that contrasts with the rich cake. Serve with extra cream cheese frosting for guests who want an indulgent, tangy finish.

This Black Velvet Halloween Cake makes a dramatic centerpiece for any spooky celebration. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What gives this cake its black color?

The intense black shade is achieved by adding black food coloring to the cocoa-based batter, creating a striking and dramatic appearance.

→ How does the hot coffee affect the cake?

Hot coffee enhances the cocoa flavor and adds moisture, resulting in a richer and more tender crumb.

→ What makes the frosting creamy and tangy?

The frosting combines cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar and vanilla, balancing sweetness with a subtle tang.

→ Can I use this cake for different types of gatherings?

Yes, its elegant look and balanced flavors make it perfect for both casual family events and upscale parties.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and frost texture for several days.

→ Are there any special techniques in preparing the batter?

Whisking wet and dry ingredients separately, then combining gently ensures a smooth batter with a tender crumb. Careful mixing with food coloring maintains the deep black tone.