Moist Black Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Rich, Dark & Decadent
Looking for a moist black velvet cake recipe that’s rich, soft, and visually stunning? This deep black cocoa cake with cream cheese frosting is incredibly tender, packed with chocolate flavor, and perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or elegant dessert tables.
Ingredients for Black Velvet Cake
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or boiling water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Black gel food coloring (as needed for deep color)
Cream Cheese Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: black food coloring for darker frosting
How to Make Moist Black Velvet Cake
1. Preheat & Prepare Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
4. Make the Batter
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a thick batter forms. Slowly add hot coffee, whisking until smooth and silky.
5. Add Color
Mix in black gel food coloring until you achieve a deep, rich black tone. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist texture.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat butter and cream cheese until light and creamy. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Beat until fluffy. Add black coloring if desired.
Assemble the Cake
Spread frosting between layers, then cover the top and sides. Smooth or create swirls for a rustic finish. Chill slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
Tips for the Best Black Velvet Cake
- Use hot coffee to enhance chocolate flavor
- Always use room temperature ingredients
- Don’t skip vinegar—it helps create a soft crumb
- Chill before cutting for neat slices
