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Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake decorated for Halloween celebrations

Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake

This Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake features a dramatic dark cocoa cake with a hint of red, reminiscent of classic red velvet, but intensified for a truly gothic look. Topped with a creamy, contrasting frosting, it's the perfect centerpiece for your Halloween festivities.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups Granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Red food coloring or black gel food coloring for extra dark effect
  • 1 tsp White vinegar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Hot water
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Black gel food coloring optional, for black frosting

Equipment

  • 8-inch cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula/Offset spatula

Method
 

For the Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch cake pans.
  2. Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: buttermilk, oil, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
  4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in hot water until the batter is smooth.
  6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting and Assembly
  1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and black food coloring (if using), beating until light and fluffy.
  3. Once cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary.
  4. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with a layer of frosting, then top with the second cake layer.
  5. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, decorating as desired for a spooky effect.

Notes

For an extra spooky touch, decorate with edible googly eyes, spider webs made from melted chocolate, or plastic spiders. Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.