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Black Velvet Halloween Cake

A rich, moist cake with a striking dark color and delightful flavors, perfect for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Halloween
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 0.5 cups black food coloring
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: spooky sprinkles or meringue ghosts

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Stir in the black food coloring until well blended.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
Assembly
  1. Once cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
  2. Add spooky decorations as desired.

Notes

For food coloring, use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color. Ensure even baking by placing cake pans in the center of the oven. If frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually.