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Black Velvet Cake

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A rich and elegant black velvet cake made with dark cocoa and a moist crumb, perfect for special occasions. Pair it with caramel, ganache, or whipped cream for a customizable dessert experience.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (black cocoa recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • Salted Caramel (Optional):
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 225 g (8 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
  • Stabilized Whipped Cream (Optional):
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon instant pudding mix (optional for stability)
  • Decoration (Optional):
  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Finely grated chocolate or orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease five 6-inch cake pans or line with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined.
  5. Slowly mix in the hot coffee or water until the batter is smooth and thin.
  6. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Make Salted Caramel: Melt sugar in a pan until amber. Add butter and stir. Pour in cream and salt; stir until smooth.
  9. Make Ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
  10. Make Whipped Cream: Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks. Add pudding mix for stability if desired.
  11. Level cake layers if needed. Layer with desired filling: caramel, ganache, or whipped cream.
  12. Frost top and sides with your chosen topping. Chill to set. Decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Black cocoa powder deepens color and enhances flavor.
  • The cake batter will be runny — this is normal for a moist texture.
  • You can freeze cake layers for up to 2 months before assembly.
  • Stabilized whipped cream is best for layered cakes to hold shape.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing and texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/black-velvet-cake/