Looking for a dessert that’s both striking and delicious? The black velvet cake might just be what you're craving. Known for its deep, dark color and rich, moist texture, this cake brings a new twist to traditional red velvet. Black red velvet cake recipe are especially popular for Halloween, giving your table a bold and festive treat that stands out.

While you might already know our savory 10-inch pizza recipe, this black velvet cake recipe offers a sweet, indulgent option to complete your meal or make Halloween extra special. Whether it’s for a party, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this black velvet Halloween cake​ will make any occasion memorable.

What Makes Black Velvet Cake Special?

While you might be familiar with traditional red velvet, black red velvet cake offers a twist by using dark cocoa for an extra deep color and intense flavor. This variation has quickly gained popularity for its unique look, especially during spooky season when desserts are designed to thrill and chill. You get the smooth, tender crumb of a classic velvet cake, but with a gothic edge that’s perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering.

The black velvet cake mix​ combines the best qualities of a classic cake with just enough dark cocoa to create an indulgent, deep flavor. You won’t need a lot of fancy techniques either—just some quality ingredients, a touch of creativity, and you’ll be set to impress.

Ingredients Used to Make Black Velvet Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp black food coloring

How to Make Black Velvet Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and food coloring.
4. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
7. Decorate for Halloween. Once cooled, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache. Use Halloween-themed decorations such as candy spiders, ghost-shaped marshmallows, or edible glitter to add a spooky touch!

Notes

• Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Use gel food coloring for a deeper black shade without thinning the batter.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting or try a chocolate ganache for added richness.

Nutrition Facts (per slice)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Serving Ideas for Black Velvet Cake

This black velvet halloween cake is fantastic with classic cream cheese frosting, but you can add unique twists depending on the occasion. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Spider Web Topping: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle melted chocolate in a spider-web pattern for a spooky Halloween look.
• Berry Garnish: Top with blackberries or blueberries to complement the cake’s dark appearance and add some freshness.
• Mini Marshmallows: Arrange tiny marshmallows to spell out “Boo” or create ghostly designs for a festive touch.

Incorporate this black velvet cake recipe into your next holiday or family gathering, and enjoy the compliments from everyone who takes a slice. With its unique color and rich taste, this black velvet cake from So Damn Delish is an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re whipping it up for Halloween or just for fun, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Black Velvet Cake Recipe for a Halloween Treat You’ll Love

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Explore this bold black velvet cake recipe by So Damn Delish—a Halloween-ready dessert that’s rich, easy to make, and perfect for festive celebrations!

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp black food coloring

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare pans with grease and flour.
2. Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool before frosting.
6. Decorate with Halloween-themed treats.

Notes

• Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Use gel food coloring for a deeper black shade without thinning the batter.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting or try a chocolate ganache for added richness.

• Author: SoDamnDelish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Inactive Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg