Description
Dive into decadence with this dramatic Black Velvet Cake! Rich cocoa layers are tinted with black gel food coloring and paired with a luscious blackberry chocolate frosting. Topped with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, and mint, it’s a gothic-chic showstopper perfect for Halloween, birthdays, or any special celebration.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tsp baking soda
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup boiling water
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1/2 cup black food coloring gel
For the Frosting:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup blackberry preserves
For Garnish:
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Fresh blackberries
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Dark chocolate shavings
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Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
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Prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add to dry mix and stir to combine.
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Finish batter: Stir in boiling water and black food coloring until smooth.
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Bake: Divide evenly between pans and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
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Make frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cream, vanilla, and preserves. Mix until fluffy.
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Assemble cake: Layer and frost cooled cakes. Garnish with fresh blackberries, chocolate shavings, and mint.
Notes
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For an even deeper color, add black cocoa powder.
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Refrigerate before slicing for clean cuts and richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American