🍰 Moist Black Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Rich, Soft & Decadent)
Indulge in this moist black velvet cake—a rich, chocolatey twist on the classic velvet cake. With its deep, dramatic color and ultra-soft texture, this homemade black velvet cake recipe is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or when you want a show-stopping dessert. Paired with smooth cream cheese frosting, every bite is pure decadence.
📝 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 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or boiling water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- Black gel food coloring (as needed)
🧁 Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 How to Make Moist Black Velvet Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until thick and glossy.
Step 5: Add Coffee & Color
Pour in hot coffee and whisk until the batter becomes smooth and silky. Add black food coloring until you achieve a deep, rich color. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
🎂 How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder until light and fluffy. Add black food coloring if you want a darker finish.
🍰 Assemble the Cake
Spread a thick layer of frosting between the cake layers. Cover the top and sides with remaining frosting. Smooth or swirl as desired. Chill slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
💡 Tips for Perfect Black Velvet Cake
- Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Use gel food coloring for a deeper, richer black color.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
