Dreamy Black Velvet Cake Recipe: Moist Chocolatey Indulgence

Decadent chocolate lovers rejoice as this black velvet cake recipe promises pure indulgence.

The rich, dark chocolate black velvet cake whispers sweet seduction with every slice.

Deep cocoa notes blend seamlessly with velvety smooth texture, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible.

Luxurious layers promise a dessert experience that transcends ordinary baking.

Moist, tender crumb and intense chocolate flavor define this show-stopping cake.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of sweetness and depth.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with this extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more.

Dark Chocolate Layer Cake: Why It’s Unforgettable

• Create Chocolate Masterpiece: This dark chocolate layer cake transforms basic ingredients into a decadent dessert that looks professionally crafted, making home bakers feel like expert pastry chefs.
• Quick and Simple Process: With straightforward mixing steps and minimal kitchen equipment needed, anyone can whip up this rich chocolate cake without feeling overwhelmed or requiring advanced baking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for celebrations like birthdays, potlucks, or family gatherings, this cake delivers intense chocolate flavor that will impress guests and satisfy serious chocolate lovers with its deep, luxurious taste.
• Versatile Treat: Whether served as an elegant dessert after dinner or enjoyed with afternoon coffee, this dark chocolate layer cake works beautifully for multiple occasions and satisfies sweet cravings anytime.

Layer Cake Ingredient Guide: Chocolate Edition

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists in creating a soft and airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Espresso: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve the espresso and integrate it into the batter.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and contributes to a tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps create a soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor to complement the chocolate.

• Unsalted Butter, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla Extract: Create the base of the rich chocolate frosting.
• Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream: Provide sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Melted Chocolate: Adds extra chocolate intensity to the frosting.

Dark Chocolate Layer Cake Baking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab your three 8-inch cake pans and give them a quick spray of cooking oil.

Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Rich cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re well combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Craft the Liquid Magic

In a separate bowl, dissolve espresso in hot water.

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Pure vanilla extract

Whisk these wet ingredients until they’re fully blended and silky.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold and mix until just combined.

Don’t overmix – you want a tender cake!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 24-27 minutes.

The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Whip Up Decadent Frosting

In a mixer, cream butter until fluffy.

• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Melted dark chocolate

Beat until the frosting is smooth and irresistible.

Step 7: Build Your Chocolate Dream

Let the cake layers cool completely.

Start stacking – spread frosting between each layer.

Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating smooth, tempting sides and top.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Layer Cake Lovers

• Use exact measurements for consistent cake texture and rich chocolate flavor every time.
• Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for smoother batter and better mixing.
• Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cake layers.
• Add espresso to enhance deep chocolate flavor without making cake taste like coffee.
• Let cake layers cool totally to prevent frosting from melting and sliding off layers.

Chocolate Layer Cake – Ways to Mix It Up

• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and swap butter for coconut oil in frosting.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same measurement proportions.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, and dark chocolate with high cocoa content and low sugar for frosting.
• Mocha Chocolate Indulgence: Enhance espresso flavor by adding coffee liqueur to batter and using espresso powder in frosting for richer coffee notes.

Serving Dark Chocolate Layer Cake with Flair

• Midnight Dessert Pairing: Serve this rich dark chocolate cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Wine Lover's Dream: Pair with a glass of bold port wine or a smooth cabernet sauvignon to enhance the deep chocolate notes and create an elegant dessert experience.
• Coffee Companion: Complement the cake with a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee to highlight the subtle espresso undertones baked into the cake layers.
• Festive Garnish: Decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the cake's visual appeal and add a touch of gourmet sophistication.

Storing Dark Chocolate Layer Cake Properly

• Store the dark chocolate layer cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moist texture.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the cake's quality.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place it in a cake carrier or cover with a cake dome to protect from dust and keep it fresh.
• When storing sliced cake, place a piece of plastic wrap directly against the cut edges to prevent them from drying out and maintain the cake's moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk in this cake recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb by breaking down gluten proteins, resulting in a more delicate chocolate cake texture.

• Can I substitute regular coffee for espresso?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee as an alternative to espresso. The coffee enhances the deep chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

• How do I know when the cake layers are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

• What type of cocoa powder works best for this cake?

Dark or Dutch-processed cocoa powder works excellently. These varieties provide a richer, more intense chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa powder.

Black Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate meets luxurious black cocoa in this Black Velvet Cake, creating a dramatic dessert that mesmerizes with deep color and intense flavor. Silky layers promise pure indulgence, inviting you to savor each elegant, velvety bite of this show-stopping celebration centerpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (75g) black cocoa powder, sifted
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (6g) salt

Cake Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240g) hot water
• 2 teaspoons (5g) instant espresso
• 1 cup (240g) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (110g) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (112g), room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 cups (452g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (100g) black cocoa powder for frosting
• 5 cups (625g) powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup (180g) heavy cream
• 1 1/3 cups (230g) dark chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and preparing three 8-inch cake pans with parchment lining and light greasing.
2. Create the dry mixture by thoroughly blending flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Dissolve espresso powder in hot water, then whisk in buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
5. Evenly distribute batter across prepared cake pans, ensuring consistent layers and smooth surfaces.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 24-27 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into cake center.
7. While cakes cool, prepare frosting by creaming butter, then incorporating cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
8. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and heavy cream until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
9. Fold in melted dark chocolate to enhance frosting’s richness and depth of flavor.
10. Once cakes are completely cooled, carefully layer with frosting between each cake tier.
11. Apply remaining frosting to completely cover cake’s exterior, smoothing surfaces for a polished finish.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking of the cake layers.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more uniform texture in the batter.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
• Enhance chocolate flavor by using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content in both cake and frosting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg