Luxurious Black Velvet Cake

Ingredients

Black Velvet Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup black cocoa powder (for deep color & flavor)

• 2 cups sugar

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• 1½ cups buttermilk

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

• Black gel food coloring (optional, for extra depth)

Velvet Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4½ cups powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch round pans.

2. Whisk flour, black cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and vinegar; mix until smooth.

4. Slowly stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin).

5. Add food coloring if using.

6. Divide batter evenly and bake:

   • 8-inch layers: 25–30 minutes

7. Cool completely.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until silky.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually.

3. Mix in vanilla and salt until fluffy.

Assemble

1. Level cake layers if needed.

2. Spread frosting between layers.

3. Frost top and sides smoothly.

4. Chill 30 minutes for clean slices.

Pro Tips

• Black cocoa is key—regular cocoa won’t give true black color.

• Coffee deepens flavor without tasting like coffee.

• For an ultra-luxury finish, coat with black chocolate ganache fir