Print

Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Layer Cake

black velvet Halloween layer cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, velvety black velvet cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween parties and special occasions. This cake features deep black cocoa layers contrasted by smooth, slightly tangy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75 grams) black cocoa powder (Hershey’s special dark recommended)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and instant espresso powder (if using).
  4. Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix with a rubber spatula or electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Batter will be thick and black.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans lightly to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low then high speed until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
  9. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a thick, even layer of frosting on top. Add second layer and frost top and sides evenly.
  10. Chill cake for 30 minutes to set frosting before slicing.

Notes

Use black cocoa powder for the signature deep black color and rich flavor. Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened before making frosting to avoid lumps. Do not frost warm cake layers to prevent melting. For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute ingredients as suggested in the recipe. Tap pans gently before baking to release air bubbles. Check cake doneness starting at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, Halloween cake, cream cheese frosting, black cocoa powder, layered cake, spooky dessert, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/decadent-black-velvet-halloween-layer-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-treat/