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Perfect Halloween Black Velvet Cake Recipe with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Halloween Black Velvet Cake - featured image
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A rich, ultra-moist black velvet cake made with black cocoa powder paired with a tangy and bright orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween or cozy autumn treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75g) black cocoa powder
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the buttermilk and vinegar to the wet ingredients; the batter will bubble slightly.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  10. Slowly add powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  11. Add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract; beat until light and fluffy.
  12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread about one-third of the frosting evenly on top.
  13. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula or knife.
  14. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set and flavors meld.

Notes

Use black cocoa powder for the intense black color and rich flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the crumb tender. Chill the cake before slicing to prevent frosting meltdown. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives and use almond or oat milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cake, black velvet cake, orange cream cheese frosting, black cocoa powder, autumn dessert, spooky cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/perfect-halloween-black-velvet-cake-recipe-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-for-easy-homemade-treats/