Creamy Black Velvet Cake:

Creamy Black Velvet Cake:

A Delightful Indulgence

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably dark cocoa for richness)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black food coloring (optional for extra richness)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and black food coloring (if using).
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Whip until fluffy: Continue beating the frosting for 2-3 minutes until it is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat to seal in any crumbs.
Frost the cake: Once the crumb coat has set (about 30 minutes), apply a thick layer of frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
Decorate: If desired, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible gold flakes for an elegant touch.