Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake

Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake

For the Black Velvet Cake:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (black cocoa works well for the darkest color)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon black food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Black food coloring (for coloring the frosting)

For Decoration:

• Black fondant or black icing for spooky designs
• Halloween-themed decorations (e.g., candy eyeballs, edible spiders, ghosts, etc.)

Directions:

1. Make the cake:

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

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

Add wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and black food coloring.

Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.

Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the cream cheese frosting:

Cream the butter and cream cheese: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Add powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is thick and fluffy.

Flavor and color: Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add black food coloring to achieve the desired spooky shade of black.

3. Assemble the cake:

Level the cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes with a serrated knife to create an even surface for frosting.

Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

4. Decorate:

Spooky designs: Use black fondant, black icing, or extra frosting to pipe spooky designs like spider webs, ghosts, or bats on top of the cake. You can also decorate with edible Halloween treats such as candy eyeballs, edible spiders, or even mini pumpkins.
5. Serve: Slice and serve your Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake for a delicious and hauntingly beautiful dessert!