Description
Indulge in this decadent Black Velvet Cake, a rich chocolate dessert with a velvety crumb and bold cocoa flavor. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, topped with cream cheese frosting or ganache.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably dark or Dutch-processed)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or espresso
For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Chocolate Ganache (Optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Blend & Add Coffee: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined. Pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Frost: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting or drizzle with chocolate ganache.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Spiced Black Velvet Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for warmth.
- Vegan Version: Use non-dairy buttermilk (almond milk + vinegar) and flax eggs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Liqueur Infusion: Add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or bourbon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45
- Category: dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Black velvet cake, chocolate cake, rich chocolate dessert, cream cheese frosting, ganache cake