Introduction
When it comes to Halloween, the food should be just as spooky as the decorations — and this Black Velvet Halloween Cake delivers exactly that. With its rich chocolate flavor, dramatic black finish, and eerie gothic look, this cake is a show-stopping centerpiece for any Halloween celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party, planning a Halloween dinner, or just want a spooky cake to impress your guests, this recipe combines both style and flavor. The deep black layers hide a velvety chocolate crumb, making every slice as delicious as it is haunting.
Ingredients
For the Black Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dark cocoa for best color)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Black gel food coloring
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- Black gel food coloring
Optional Decorations:
- Blackberries or dark berries
- Edible skulls, spiders, or Halloween toppers
- Silver sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry mix. Slowly stir in hot coffee until smooth. Mix in black food coloring until the batter is deep black. - Bake the Layers:
Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and cream. Mix until fluffy. Add black food coloring for a bold finish. - Assemble the Cake:
Layer cake rounds with frosting in between. Frost the outside smoothly for a sleek, gothic look. - Decorate:
Garnish with edible skulls, spiders, dark berries, or a drizzle of red syrup for a dramatic effect.
Tips & Variations
- For a Gothic Birthday Cake: Swap orange accents for deep red for a vampy vibe.
- Add a Surprise: Use orange-tinted frosting between layers for a fun Halloween reveal when sliced.
- Lighter Touch: Skip the spooky toppers and serve simply frosted for an elegant black cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dramatic & spooky: Perfect for Halloween tablescapes.
- Rich chocolate flavor: Moist and decadent.
- Versatile design: Can be spooky, gothic, or even elegant.
Final Thoughts
This Black Velvet Halloween Cake is more than dessert — it’s a statement piece. Its eerie, dramatic look paired with indulgent chocolate layers makes it a must-bake for Halloween lovers. Whether you decorate it with creepy toppers or keep it sleek and dark, this cake guarantees to impress every ghost and ghoul at your party.
