Name: Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp black gel food coloring; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly captures the eerie fun of the season, then the Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake is your new best friend. This cake combines the deep, rich flavors of cocoa with an intense black velvet crumb that looks absolutely stunning — perfect for trick-or-treaters, parties, or cozy nights in. The luxurious cream cheese frosting adds just the right balance of tangy sweetness, making every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into Halloween treats, this cake will dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests with its hauntingly beautiful appearance.

Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating that perfect Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake, where taste, texture, and that wickedly black color come together in harmony.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the cake’s structure and tender crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Adds rich chocolate flavor and depth to the cake.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the cake while helping with moisture retention.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Works with baking soda to ensure perfect leavening.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tender moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and complexity.
Black gel food coloring (1 tbsp): Creates that signature spooky, inky black hue.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For the luscious frosting with tangy flavor.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Helps make the frosting creamy and smooth.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

How to Make Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This step ensures your Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake pops right out when it’s done without sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until everything is well blended. This dry mix is the foundation of your cake’s rich flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the sugar and vegetable oil until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the black gel food coloring for that stunning Halloween look. Mixing these ingredients carefully helps to achieve a smooth, vibrant batter for your Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be gentle and avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and moist.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step is crucial for a moist, fudgy interior and a perfectly baked Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting. Then, prepare a cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until creamy and smooth. Spread it generously over the cakes for that classic combination of deep chocolate and tangy frosting.

How to Serve Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake

Garnishes

Top your cake with spooky touches like edible glitter, candied spider webs made with spun sugar, or tiny candy pumpkins. These add a festive look that will wow any guest.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the deep chocolate flavor of this cake, enhancing every bite with creamy or sweet contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves and flickering candles to create a moody, magical ambiance that’s perfect for any Halloween celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and moisture. Be sure to use an airtight container or wrap the cake well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked layers before frosting by wrapping them in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost as usual. The cream cheese frosting, however, freezes best already applied if wrapped carefully.

Reheating

For the best taste, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. If desired, warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the frosting and bring out the chocolate aroma.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

For the true depth and dark color of your Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake, unsweetened cocoa powder is best. Regular or sweetened cocoa might throw off the balance of flavors and color.

Is black gel food coloring necessary?

While not mandatory, black gel food coloring gives this cake its iconic spooky black appearance that makes it stand out, especially for Halloween celebrations.

Can I substitute buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes; this will mimic the acidity and texture buttermilk provides.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Using oil and buttermilk in the recipe helps lock in moisture and keeps your Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake tender. Avoid overbaking and be sure to store leftovers in airtight conditions.

Can I decorate the cake with themed toppers?

Absolutely! Adding Halloween-themed toppers like plastic spiders, edible eyes, or fondant ghosts can make your presentation even more festive and fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family this season, the Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a must-try. It’s rich, moist, and dripping with deliciousness that perfectly fits Halloween festivities. Dive into baking this cake and watch it become a favorite centerpiece that everyone will love digging into.

Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake with a striking black color enhanced by black gel food coloring. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake makes a perfect centerpiece for Halloween celebrations, combining deep chocolate flavors with a festive, eerie look.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the mixture is uniform and free of lumps.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar with vegetable oil until smooth and well blended. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and black gel food coloring until the mixture is smooth and the color is evenly distributed.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding them together gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract for flavor.
Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of one layer, place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate as desired for a spooky Halloween effect.

Notes

Make sure cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
Using black gel food coloring instead of liquid ensures a deeper, richer color without altering the batter consistency.
You can add Halloween-themed decorations such as edible spiders or sprinkles for extra festive appeal.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based milk in place of buttermilk.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American