Black Velvet Cake

Indulge in the rich and decadent Black Velvet Cake, a stunning dessert that features a moist chocolate cake infused with vibrant black food coloring, complemented by a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions, this cake is sure to impress with its unique color and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons black food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Black and white sprinkles
• Fresh berries (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, boiling water, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and black food coloring. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Frost the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with black and white sprinkles and fresh berries, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 slices. The prep time is about 20 minutes, baking takes 30-35 minutes, and the total time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

• Flavor Additions: Add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Alternative Frosting: Try using a chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped slices for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of black?
   Yes, but you may not achieve the same deep color.
2. How do I know when the cake is done?
   Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them before serving.
4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
5. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients for a larger cake, but ensure your pans are large enough.
6. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
   Grease and flour the pans thoroughly or use parchment paper.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
   Yes, feel free to fold in chocolate chips for added texture.
8. What type of cocoa powder should I use?
   Unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended for the best results.
9. How long does the frosting keep?
   The cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
10. Can I use another frosting flavor?
    Yes, feel free to use buttercream or whipped cream as alternatives.

Conclusion

The Black Velvet Cake is a visually striking and delicious dessert that will captivate your guests. Its moist, chocolatey layers paired with rich cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the experience of making and sharing this delightful treat!

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