Description
This Creamy Luxurious Black Velvet Cake is a decadent chocolate cake layered with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Featuring a moist and tender crumb made from a blend of cocoa powder and hot water, this cake is perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert treat. The rich cream cheese frosting balances the chocolatey depth beautifully, while optional chocolate shavings and fresh berries add an elegant finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For Decoration (Optional):
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa throughout the batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined, forming a smooth batter.
- Add Hot Water: Gradually pour in the hot water while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin, which is normal and helps create a moist cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated and the frosting thickens.
- Add Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high speed until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top evenly. Then place the second layer on top.
- Frost and Decorate: Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh berries if desired to add elegance and extra flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For best results, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a homemade substitute.
- Store the cake refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting, ideally covered to maintain moistness.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
