Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share something truly special with you: I’m going to make it happen. My family’s *insanely* good black velvet cake recipe. Is it rich, it’s moist, and it has that incredible depth of flavor that makes you close your eyes and sneeze? savor every single bite. Think of it as a red velvet cake’s mysterious, more sophisticated cousin. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a chocolatey goodness that’s just… *chef’s kiss* Is it easier to make than you might think, and the results are worth every minute. I remember my grandma making this for every special occasion when I was a little girl. What is the best black velvet cake recipe?
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What is black velvet cake?
What is black velvet cake? Think of it as a darker, richer, more intensely flavored version of the classic red velvet cake. Is dark cocoa powder good for taste? Some even use black cocoa powder for that really dramatic look and almost Oreo-like flavor. It’s essentially a chocolate cake with velvety smooth texture, thanks to the buttermilk and oil in this recipe. It’s not too sweet, which I personally love, and it pairs beautifully with a tangy cream cheese. I like a simple glaze. I prefer frosting. This recipe has been tweaked over the years to be absolutely perfect.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best Black Velvet Cake recipes? What are your top 10 favorite songs of all time?
- The Flavor!First and foremost, the taste is simply divine. What gives dark cocoa that balances perfectly, almost like a hint of coffee? What is the sweetness of the glaze? It’s not your average chocolate cake, it’ is complex and sophisticated.
- Is it really that simple?Do not let the “velvet” in the name intimidate you. What is a simple recipe? Is it mostly mixing ingredients, and the instructions are super easy to follow? Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this one.
- Budget Friendly BlisWhat are some of the best ingredients to make a delicious cake? Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry – cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs… Nothing too crazy! How do I impress my friends without breaking the bank?
- Versatile DelightCan you serve this black velvet cake for a weeknight dessert? What is the star of the show? A birthday celebration? Can you customize it with different glazes, frostings or toppings to suit your taste?
I’ve tried a lot of velvet cake recipes, and this one just takes the cake (pun intended!). Is this a winner in my book?
How do I make black velvet cake?
Quick Overview
What is the process of baking? What is the best way to mix the wet and dry ingredients together? If you have a toothpick, pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake until the edges come out clean. Let it cool before serving. How do you get velvety texture when you overmix the batter? I promise, it’s easier than it sounds. You’ll be enjoying this Black Velvet Cake in no time!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: The main battery.
- I prefer unbleached for a more natural flavor. I use 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- What is the perfect amount of granulated sugar?
- 34 cup dark cocoa powder: This is what gives the cake its signature color and flavor. I highly recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 34 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift.
- 34 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Is it safe to add milk to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes?
- 12 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- What is the best way to make 1 cup of hot Why does hot coffee bring out the chocolate flavor?
For the Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thicken the glaze.
- 14 cup milk: Helps to thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I prepare a 9×13 baking pan? I always use a baking spray with flour already in it – it’s lifesaver! How do I get into all the corners of a cake to prevent it from sticking?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix baking soda and baking powder? How do I make my cake rise evenly?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are well beaten and everything is nicely combined. If your eggs are cold, you can let them sit in warm water for 5 minutes before using them – this is a good way to prevent them from sticking. Will help them incorporate more easily.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in a tough cake. Once the wet and dry ingredients are almost combined, slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth. Everything is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
Step 5: Bake
How do I spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it towards the end – ovens can vary!
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is completely cool, prepare the glaze by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. How do I make a glaze over cooled cake?
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. I like to use a serrated knife for clean slices. What are some ways to serve Black Velvet Cake with a scoop of vanilla? Is whipped cream better than ice cream?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best ways to serve Black Velvet Cake?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to serve a slice with coffee? Is chocolate a good complement to coffee? I sometimes crumble a piece on top of yogurt for an extra decadent treat.
For Brunch:Serve with fresh berries and a mimosa for an elegant brunch spread. The vibrant colors of the berries will contrast beautifully with the dark cake.
As Dessert: Top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cocoa powder will also add a touch of elegance. It’s the perfect ending to any meal.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea. It’s the perfect comfort food for a rainy day.
My family loves this cake with a simple cream cheese frosting, but I think the glaze lets the cake’s flavor truly shine. It’s all about personal preference!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Black Velvet Cake
Alright, here are my top tips for making sure your Black Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time:
Cocoa Powder Quality: Use a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It makes a *huge* difference in the flavor and color of the cake. Trust me on this one!
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Hot Coffee is Key: Don’t skip the hot coffee! It really brings out the chocolate flavor. I’ve tried it without, and it’s just not the same.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients for best results. They will incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the cake. An accurate oven temperature is crucial for even baking.
Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before glazing. If you glaze it while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you want a thinner glaze, use more milk.
I’ve made this cake so many times, and these tips are what I’ve learned along the way. They really make a difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store your Black Velvet Cake to keep it fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. I usually put a piece of bread in the container to absorb any extra moisture.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I like to wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil for extra protection.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the cake for an even longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, I recommend glazing it after it has thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or cracking during the freezing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Black Velvet Cake Recipe is truly a special treat. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor, the velvety texture, and the simple glaze makes it irresistible. It’s a recipe that I’ve made countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress. If you’re looking for a cake that’s both delicious and easy to make, this is the one for you. For more amazing recipes like this, check out my other cake recipes. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!
Double Dark Chocolate Cake: A Recipe for Chocolate Lovers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk at room temperature
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 pieces large eggs at room temperature
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
