Prepare to cast a spell on your dessert table with the most wickedly delicious cake this Halloween! This Black Velvet Cake isn't just a dessert - it's a dramatic culinary experience that combines the rich, velvety texture of a classic red velvet cake with a spine-chilling dark twist. Perfect for Halloween parties, gothic-themed events, or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping treat that looks as mysterious as it tastes delectable.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon black food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Add the red and black food coloring to the wet ingredients, stirring thoroughly to create a deep, dark velvet color. Mix until the color is uniform and vibrant.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- For a Halloween theme, consider decorating with black cream cheese frosting or gothic-inspired cake decorations.
Tips
- Food Coloring Precision: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant and concentrated color without affecting the cake's texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and other wet ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional look.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Decoration Suggestion: Use Halloween-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or fondant decorations to enhance the spooky aesthetic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg