A strikingly rich and beautifully dark chocolate cake, this Black Velvet Cake combines deep cocoa flavor, velvety texture, and dramatic presentation—elevated by black food colouring for a memorable dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Deep, intense chocolate flavor – Rich unsweetened cocoa powder delivers luxurious chocolate notes.
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Soft, moist crumb – The blend of buttermilk and oil ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Stunning presentation – Black food colouring creates a bold, eye-catching effect perfect for special occasions.
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Simple to prepare – Easy-to-follow steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and no complicated techniques.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp white vinegar
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1 tsp black gel food colouring
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
directions
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Preheat oven & prepare pans
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line two 8‑inch round cake pans with parchment circles. -
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended. -
Combine wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk with vinegar. Add black gel food colouring, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla, whisking until smooth and well combined. -
Form the batter
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined—taking care not to overmix. -
Bake the cakes
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with minimal crumbs. -
Cool the layers
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then gently remove and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Yields 12–16 slices, depending on thickness
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Bake time: 25–30 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 55–60 minutes
Variations
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Dark chocolate ganache – Pour a glossy ganache over the cooled cake for added richness.
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Cream cheese frosting – A tangy cream cheese frosting complements the deep chocolate flavors beautifully.
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Vegan option – Use plant-based milk with vinegar, flax or chia eggs, and dairy-free alternatives for buttermilk and eggs.
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Black sparkle topping – Sprinkle edible glitter or shimmering sugar for an elegant finish.
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Layer with fresh berries – Add raspberries or blackberries between layers for fruit contrast and visual appeal.
storage/reheating
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Room temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days when iced; bring to room temperature before serving.
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Freezer: Individually wrap layers in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before frosting.
FAQs
1. Why use black gel food colouring?
It produces a bold, vibrant black without altering the texture or adding extra liquid.
2. Can I skip the vinegar?
No—vinegar interacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and tenderize.
3. Is it overly sweet?
No; the cocoa powder balances the sugars, and you can adjust sweetness in frosting.
4. How do I avoid overmixing?
Mix just until the flour is incorporated and no dry streaks remain to maintain a tender crumb.
5. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes—fill liners two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
6. What frosting pairs best?
Cream cheese, mascarpone, ganache, or Swiss meringue buttercream all complement this cake.
7. Can I use black cocoa powder instead?
Yes, black cocoa enhances the dark colour and increases richness.
8. How can I get clean cake slices?
Chill the chilled or iced cake briefly before slicing, and use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.
9. Can I colour frosting black too?
Yes—use a strong black gel colour; add a tiny pinch of cocoa powder to aid tint.
10. Will the colour fade over time?
The black may lighten slightly; store in a sealed container away from moisture or oils.
Conclusion
Elegant, dramatic, and deeply chocolatey—the Black Velvet Cake is a showstopper that still delivers on taste and simplicity. With its striking colour, moist crumb, and stunning versatility, it’s the perfect dessert to impress on any occasion.
[tasty-recipe id=”18980″]