Indulge in the ultimate Halloween treat with this Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake. Rich and moist, this decadent cake features a deep black hue and a velvety texture, making it perfect for your Halloween celebrations. Topped with creamy frosting and adorned with eerie decorations, this cake is a showstopper at any festive gathering!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp black food coloring gel
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Black or orange food coloring (optional)
Optional Decorations:
Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter
Plastic spider rings
Black or purple candles
Directions:
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, black food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and well combined. Add food coloring if desired for an extra spooky touch.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer and Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: Get creative with your decorations! Use Halloween-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or plastic spider rings to make your cake look delightfully spooky.
Serving Tips:
Perfect Slices: For neat, professional-looking slices, chill the cake in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp, serrated knife, wiping it clean between each cut.
Extra Festive: Add Halloween-themed plates, spooky napkins, or serve each slice with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
Pairing Ideas: Serve this black velvet cake with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or spiced pumpkin latte for a cozy pairing.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate to keep the frosting stable.
Refrigerator: Place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the entire frosted cake. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to serve.
Related Recipes:
- Dark Chocolate Halloween Chip Cookies
- Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
- Halloween Brownie Cupcakes
FAQs:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different food coloring?
While the recipe calls for black food coloring gel to achieve that dark hue, you can experiment with other colors. However, be aware that using less concentrated colors may not give you the desired deep black color. If you prefer a lighter cake, you could use purple or orange food coloring for a fun Halloween twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I customize the frosting?
Absolutely! Feel free to add flavor extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist. You can also incorporate cocoa powder into the frosting for a chocolate version. For a festive touch, consider tinting the frosting with orange or purple food coloring!
Conclusion:
This Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a must-have for your Halloween festivities. Its rich flavor, moist texture, and visually striking appearance make it a delightful centerpiece for any celebration. So gather your ingredients, summon your inner baker, and prepare to wow your guests with this eerily delicious treat. Happy Halloween!
📖 Recipe:
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Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in spooky sweets, and what better way to celebrate than with a Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake? This dark, decadent dessert features a moist and velvety texture with a hauntingly beautiful black hue. Topped with creamy frosting and adorned with eerie decorations, this cake is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a showstopper for any Halloween gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp black food coloring gel
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Black or orange food coloring (optional)
Optional Decorations:
Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible glitter
Plastic spider rings
Black or purple candles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, black food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting on one layer, stack the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or spider rings.
Notes
Ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
Chill the cake for easier slicing.
Customize the frosting with different flavors or colors to suit your preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
