Black Velvet Halloween Cake

Name: Black Velvet Halloween Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon black food coloring; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This hauntingly delicious Black Velvet Halloween Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your spooky celebrations. Layered with rich, dark cocoa and complemented by a velvety cream cheese frosting, it's a showstopper that's as delightful to eat as it is to look at. This cake will impress your guests with its unique flavors and festive appearance, making it an essential treat for Halloween parties, gatherings, or any autumn-themed event.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-18T06:55:23.554Z

A rich and decadent cake perfect for the Halloween season.

The Perfect Halloween Dessert

This Black Velvet Halloween Cake not only looks stunning but also tastes divine. Its rich dark cocoa flavor sets it apart from typical vanilla cakes, appealing to chocolate lovers and adventurous eaters alike. As Halloween approaches, think of how this cake will steal the spotlight at any gathering. The dark layers evoke the spirit of the holiday, making it a fitting centerpiece for your spooky celebrations.

The cake's striking appearance, enhanced by the black food coloring, makes it visually captivating. When guests lay eyes on this creation, their intrigue will be piqued, and they'll eagerly anticipate a slice. It’s not just a treat; it's a conversation starter. Each layer reveals a delightful chocolatey richness, complemented perfectly by the smooth, creamy frosting that adds a touch of elegance.

Easy to Make and Customize

Despite its fancy appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The straightforward steps guide you through preparing a rich batter and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Even novice bakers can feel confident tackling this recipe, as it requires minimal baking skills while yielding impressive results. Each step is clearly outlined, making it approachable for everyone.

Feel free to customize this cake to suit your preferences. Add sprinkles or themed decorations on top of the frosting, or even experiment with flavored extracts in the frosting for a unique twist. The cake can also be divided into smaller layers or cupcakes for fun party treats, ensuring you retain all the spooky charm in every bite. Your imagination is the only limit!

A Memorable Treat for Any Occasion

While this cake is perfect for Halloween, its rich flavor profile makes it suitable for any autumn-themed events or gatherings. Whether you're celebrating a harvest festival, a fall gathering, or simply indulging in the season's flavors, this cake can take center stage. Its versatility means you can impress guests at birthday parties, dinner invitations, or family celebrations throughout the fall.

Think beyond Halloween; consider serving this delectable dessert at Thanksgiving celebrations or cozy gatherings. With a warm cup of cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the cake is sure to be a hit regardless of the occasion. Guests will rave about its flavor and presentation, making it a memorable addition to your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon black food coloring

Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

How to Make

Prepare the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and food coloring.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk to reach desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To ensure your Black Velvet Halloween Cake stays moist and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will keep well for up to five days, allowing you to extend the enjoyment well beyond your gathering. If you've prepared the cake in advance, consider wrapping each layer separately in plastic wrap to maintain freshness until it's time to frost and serve.

When it comes time to serve, take the cake out of the fridge for about 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes slicing easier. For a decorative touch, you might want to add seasonal garnishes like chocolate spiders or edible glitter that capture the Halloween spirit.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

Achieving the perfect Black Velvet Halloween Cake involves a few key tips. First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a more homogenous batter, resulting in even baking. Additionally, don't overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients; mix just until everything is incorporated for a tender crumb.

Choosing high-quality cocoa powder significantly enhances the cake's flavor, so opt for a brand you trust. Consider sifting your dry ingredients to remove any lumps and to ensure a lighter cake. Lastly, keep a close eye on baking times as oven temperatures can vary; check for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Pairings That Enhance Your Cake Experience

When serving the Black Velvet Halloween Cake, consider pairing it with rich accompaniments that complement its flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream can add a delightful creaminess to each slice. If you want to take it a step further, drizzling chocolate sauce or caramel over the top enhances the dessert experience.

Additionally, serving it alongside strong coffee or spiced chai will balance the sweetness and heighten the overall flavor profile. For a festive twist, you might even offer pumpkin spice lattes at a Halloween gathering, seamlessly blending seasonal flavors for an unforgettable celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days before frosting.

→ Is the black food coloring necessary?

It enhances the color, but you can omit it for a less intense look.