Luxurious Black Velvet Cake

Luxurious Black Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

• For the cake:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp black food coloring (optional, for extra "black" look)
• For the cream cheese frosting:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For decoration (optional):
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
• Fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries)
• Edible gold leaf (for an extra luxurious touch)

Preparation

Make the cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and combined.

Gradually add the boiling water to the batter (it will be thin, which is normal). If using, add black food coloring and mix until fully combined.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the cream cheese frosting:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Assemble the cake:

Once the cakes are completely cool, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers (if you prefer a taller cake).

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.

Continue layering the cake and frosting until all layers are stacked, spreading frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Smooth the frosting with a spatula or cake scraper to achieve a clean, polished look.

Decorate the cake:

For a luxurious touch, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, fresh berries, or edible gold leaf.

Serve:

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Enjoy! This Luxurious Black Velvet Cake is rich, decadent, and velvety smooth with a deep chocolate flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that balances the cake perfectly, making it an elegant dessert for any special occasion!