Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a love for bold flavors and irresistibly moist cakes, then you absolutely need to try this Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a stunningly rich dessert featuring the deep, dark allure of cocoa-enhanced batter combined with the tangy smoothness of luscious cream cheese frosting. Every slice feels like a little celebration, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as your special treat after a long day. The contrast between the intense black velvet cake and the silky frosting makes this recipe a true showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a collection of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature velvety appearance. From rich cocoa powder that adds depth to the sparkle of buttermilk that tenderizes the crumb, every component is thoughtfully chosen.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base that gives the cake its tender crumb.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor and helps achieve the dark color.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent so the cake rises beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moistness to the texture.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist for days.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the cake’s soft structure.
• 2 large eggs: Provide lift and bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for extra fluffiness.
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the dark cocoa notes.
• 1 cup brewed black coffee, cooled: Elevates the chocolate flavor complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon black food coloring (optional): For that strikingly dramatic black velvet appearance.

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the classic tangy, creamy base for frosting.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and stability to the frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a sweet, aromatic note.

How to Make Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking, and starting with a properly heated oven sets the stage for even rising and perfect texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the cocoa and leavening agents evenly, giving your cake its signature color and rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

Use a large bowl to beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. This mixture traps air, helping your cake turn out light and tender despite the rich cocoa.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Vinegar

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and white vinegar, which helps activate the baking soda for that perfect crumb.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Begin by adding part of the dry mixture, then some buttermilk, alternating until everything is combined, making sure to start and end with the dry ingredients. This technique makes sure the batter is smooth and well mixed without overworking it.

Step 6: Mix in Coffee and Food Coloring

Gradually add the cooled brewed coffee, which enhances the cocoa’s richness, and if using, the black food coloring to deepen the cake’s dramatic hue. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted right in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy, finishing with vanilla extract for flavor. This classic frosting perfectly balances the intense cake.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one layer, place the second layer over it, and then frost the top and sides. This elegant finish makes your Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe irresistible.

How to Serve Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a few fresh berries, or edible flowers instantly elevate the look and add extra bursts of flavor and texture. These garnishes not only beautify the cake but bring personalized flair to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the richness. Light fruit salads or whipped cream also make wonderful accompaniments to balance the decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual cake slices on colorful plates with a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry coulis alongside. If you’re hosting a party, a cake stand surrounded by seasonal fruits makes a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to five days. This keeps your cake moist and fresh without drying out the frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the texture and flavors perfectly.

Reheating

Since this is a moist cake with cream cheese frosting, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If desired, bring chilled slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to maximize flavor and softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While regular milk can work in a pinch, buttermilk adds a lovely tang and tenderizes the cake better. You can make a homemade substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into 1 1/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

What makes this cake “black velvet” instead of red velvet?

The Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe gets its signature deep dark color from cocoa powder combined with brewed coffee and optional black food coloring, whereas red velvet relies on cocoa and red food coloring. The flavor is richer and more chocolate-forward here.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting gluten-free flour blends might work, but you’ll want to use one designed for baking and measure carefully. Keep in mind the texture can be slightly different from the traditional version made with all-purpose flour.

Is there a way to make this cake vegan?

This recipe uses eggs, butter, cream cheese, and buttermilk, making it non-vegan. However, you could experiment with plant-based substitutes like flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese, though the texture and taste will vary.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet?

Using cream cheese balances the sweetness well, but if you want to tone it down, try slightly reducing the powdered sugar or adding a pinch of salt or fresh lemon juice to the frosting for an extra tangy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Black Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a fantastic way to treat yourself and impress your loved ones with something that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make. The intense chocolate flavor combined with that classic creamy frosting creates a timeless dessert experience that’s perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes your new go-to cake!

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