Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally dark and beautiful without artificial coloring
Moist, tender crumb with an indulgent chocolate flavor
Pairs perfectly with a variety of frostings and fillings
Ideal for both elegant celebrations and themed occasions
Easy to adapt for different tastes and styles

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Black cocoa powder
All-purpose or cake flour
Sugar
Baking powder and baking soda
Salt
Buttermilk or milk mixed with vinegar
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Eggs
Hot coffee or hot water
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans or three 6-inch pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and hot coffee or water.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
Divide evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 15–20 slices
Prep time: 20–30 minutes
Bake time: 25–35 minutes
Total time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours plus cooling

Variations

Add cream cheese to the batter for extra richness
Use Oreo cream cheese frosting for a cookies-and-cream twist
Frost with black cocoa buttercream for a completely dark look
Fill with raspberry jam for a pop of flavor and color

Storage/Reheating

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Frosting can also be frozen separately and thawed before use.

FAQs

What makes Black Velvet Cake so dark?

The deep color comes from black cocoa powder, which is heavily Dutched for a rich, almost black hue.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead?

Yes, but the color will be lighter, and the flavor will be slightly different.

Why add hot coffee to the batter?

It enhances the chocolate flavor and helps bloom the cocoa powder.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes, simply adjust the bake time to about 18–22 minutes.

What frosting pairs best with this cake?

Cream cheese buttercream, cookies-and-cream frosting, or black cocoa buttercream work wonderfully.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the layers in advance, wrap them well, and freeze until needed.

How do I get perfectly flat cake layers?

Bake with cake strips around the pans to promote even baking.

Is black cocoa powder bitter?

It has a smooth, mellow flavor with less acidity than natural cocoa powder.

Can I add food coloring for an even darker cake?

You can, but it’s usually unnecessary since black cocoa is naturally very dark.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely—its striking look makes it ideal for weddings, birthdays, and Halloween.

Conclusion

Black Velvet Cake is a bold, elegant dessert with a tender crumb and unforgettable flavor. Whether you dress it up with creamy frosting or keep it simple, its dramatic appearance and decadent taste will leave a lasting impression.