Midnight Magic: The Silky Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Decadent chocolate lovers swoon over this irresistible black velvet cake that combines rich, deep flavors with an elegant dark appearance.

Dark cocoa powder blends seamlessly with premium ingredients to create a luxurious dessert experience.

Smooth cream cheese frosting complements the cake deep, velvety texture, making each slice a true indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this stunning chocolate creation with straightforward techniques.

The cake intense color and smooth crumb guarantee a showstopping dessert for any special occasion.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this delectable, eye-catching treat that promises pure chocolate bliss.

FAQs

• What makes black cocoa different from regular cocoa powder?

Black cocoa is more intensely processed, creating a darker color and more concentrated flavor. It provides a deeper, almost black appearance and a more robust chocolate taste compared to traditional cocoa powder.

• Can I substitute regular cocoa powder for black cocoa in this recipe?

While you can substitute, the result won’t be the same. Regular cocoa powder won’t give the same deep black color or intense chocolate flavor that black cocoa provides. For authentic black velvet cake, black cocoa is recommended.

• Why do I need to refrigerate the frosting for 4-6 hours?

Refrigeration allows the frosting to set and develop a stable, smooth consistency. This resting period helps the ingredients blend completely and creates a more spreadable, rich texture that will hold its shape when applied to the cake.

• Is Dutch-processed cocoa necessary for this recipe?

Dutch-processed cocoa is crucial because it’s alkalized, which means it blends more smoothly and provides a more balanced chocolate flavor. It helps create a more uniform texture and deeper color in the frosting.

Why the Black Velvet Cake Recipe Is Bold and Beautiful

• Craft a luxurious black velvet cake with minimal culinary skills, perfect for home bakers seeking a rich, impressive dessert.
• Seamlessly melt chocolate chips and combine ingredients in one pot, creating a smooth, velvety frosting without complicated techniques.
• Elevate any special occasion from birthdays to romantic dinners with this stunning dark chocolate cake that looks professionally made.
• Prepare the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing busy home cooks to plan desserts in advance without last-minute stress.

Key Ingredients for the Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth and luxurious frosting texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a silky and luscious base for the chocolate frosting.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the rich, velvety consistency of the frosting.

• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, smooth chocolate flavor with reduced acidity.
• Black Cocoa Powder: Gives an intense dark color and rich chocolate taste to the frosting.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the chocolate's intense flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and deepens the overall chocolate taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm background flavor that complements the chocolate.

How to Make the Black Velvet Cake Recipe from Scratch

Step 1: Melt and Combine Base Ingredients

Use a medium pot over medium heat to melt the butter.

Stir in the salt.

Add heavy whipping cream and sugar, whisking occasionally.

Heat the mixture until it’s nearly boiling, which takes about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Chocolate

Remove the pot from heat.

Add chocolate chips and stir until they completely melt, creating a smooth chocolate mixture.

Step 3: Blend Cocoa Powders

• Dutch-processed cocoa
• Black cocoa

Slowly stream the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl while mixing on low speed.

Scrape down bowl sides and continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes completely smooth and lump-free.

Step 4: Finish and Chill Frosting

Stir vanilla extract into the frosting.

Transfer the mixture to a container.

Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing the frosting to set completely before using.

Smart Tips for Moist Black Velvet Cake Results

• Sift both cocoa powders thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth frosting consistency.
• Gradually stream the hot chocolate mixture into the cocoa powders while mixing on low speed to create a stable emulsion.
• Refrigerate the frosting for at least 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing it to develop a rich, spreadable texture and intense flavor.
• Use medium heat when melting butter and combining ingredients to prevent scorching and maintain a consistent mixture.
• Stir in vanilla extract at the end to boost the frosting's complexity and add a subtle aromatic note to the black velvet cake.

How to Keep Black Velvet Cake Recipe Fresh and Tasty

• Store the Black Velvet Cake frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Keep it sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer the frosting to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the container with plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Remove the frosting from the freezer and place in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to gradually soften before gently stirring to restore its smooth consistency.
• If the frosting becomes too firm, warm it in the microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler on low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

What Goes Well with the Black Velvet Cake Recipe

• Elevate Black Velvet Cake Pairings
• Sip Bold Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the cake's rich chocolate intensity, balancing sweetness with tannic depth.
• Match Creamy Beverages: Serve cold milk or Irish cream liqueur alongside the cake, creating a smooth, velvety drinking experience that mirrors the dessert's texture.
• Contrast with Tart Flavors: Pair with raspberry sorbet or fresh passion fruit coulis to cut through the cake's deep chocolate notes, adding bright, zingy refreshment.
• Enhance with Espresso: Strong Italian espresso or cappuccino provides a robust coffee undertone that intensifies the cake's complex chocolate profile.

Bold Variations on the Black Velvet Cake Recipe

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Black Magic: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based chocolate chips, and substitute cream with almond milk for a completely vegan cake frosting.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the cocoa powders and chocolate chips for any potential gluten contamination.

Black Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 23 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent black velvet cake weaves midnight magic with rich cocoa and velvety texture. Chocolate dreams emerge through layers of deep darkness, promising sensational sweetness that melts deliciously on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (54 g) black cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) canola oil
• 1 cup (227 g) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2/3 cup (152 g) hot coffee
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1 2/3 cups + 1/4 cup (443 g) heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (100 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
• 3/4 cup (75 g) black cocoa powder, sifted
• 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (128 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter and incorporate salt, creating a rich base for the frosting.
2. Gradually add heavy whipping cream and sugar, whisking periodically to ensure smooth integration, heating the mixture until it approaches a near-boiling point within 7-8 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat and introduce chocolate chips, stirring thoroughly until they completely dissolve and create a silky, uniform texture.
4. Transfer sifted Dutch-processed and black cocoa powders into a stand mixing bowl, preparing for the chocolate infusion.
5. Slowly stream the hot chocolate mixture into the cocoa powders while mixing on low speed, ensuring comprehensive blending and preventing lumps.
6. Pause mixing to scrape down the bowl’s sides, then continue blending for 2-3 minutes until the frosting achieves a completely smooth consistency.
7. Enhance the flavor profile by stirring in vanilla extract, providing a subtle aromatic depth to the frosting.
8. Pour the prepared frosting into a clean container and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing the mixture to solidify and develop optimal texture for cake application.

Notes

• Ensure the butter melts slowly to prevent burning and create a smooth base for the chocolate mixture.
• Use high-quality Dutch-processed and black cocoa powders for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that defines the cake’s unique character.
• Whisk the chocolate mixture consistently to prevent scorching and achieve a silky-smooth texture that will enhance the frosting’s overall quality.
• Refrigerate the frosting for the recommended time to allow it to firm up and develop a spreadable consistency that will perfectly coat the cake layers.

• Prep Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 47 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg