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Black Velvet Cake with Black Cocoa Buttercream Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 515 reviews

This decadent Black Velvet Cake features rich layers of moist cake made with black cocoa powder and coffee, paired with a luscious black cocoa buttercream frosting. Perfectly balanced with deep chocolate flavor and a classic velvet texture, this cake is an elegant dessert for special occasions or chocolate lovers seeking something unique.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 3/4 cup black cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup hot coffee (or hot water as substitute)

Black Cocoa Buttercream

  • 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt

Decoration

  • Sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare cake pans and preheat oven: Line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds on the bottoms to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature before baking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt in a bowl until fully combined. Set aside this dry mixture.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the neutral oil and granulated sugar until combined. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms without lumps.
  5. Add hot coffee: Whisk in the hot coffee (or hot water substitute) gently until just combined. This helps enhance the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
  6. Divide batter evenly: Using a kitchen scale, distribute the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, aiming for about 400 grams per pan to ensure uniform layers.
  7. Bake the cake layers: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  8. Cool the cake layers: Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, run an offset spatula around the edges to loosen and carefully flip the cakes out onto the rack completely.
  9. Make the buttercream: In a stand mixer bowl, cream the unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat on medium-low speed until the frosting is light and airy.
  10. Add cocoa and flavorings to buttercream: Mix in the black cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste (or extract), and a pinch of fine sea salt until fully combined and smooth.
  11. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving board. Pipe or spread an even layer of black cocoa buttercream on top. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and frosting, placing the top layer upside down for a smooth finish.
  12. Crumb coat and chill: Apply a thin layer of frosting around the entire cake to lock in crumbs, then chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until the frosting firms up.
  13. Final frosting and decoration: Cover the top and sides with the remaining buttercream for a clean finish. Decorate with sprinkles or desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid a dense cake.
  • If black cocoa powder is unavailable, Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be substituted but will produce a lighter color.
  • Room temperature eggs and buttermilk improve batter incorporation and texture.
  • Using hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor depth but can be substituted with hot water for a milder taste.
  • For evenly sized cake layers, use a kitchen scale to distribute batter precisely.

Keywords: black velvet cake, black cocoa cake, chocolate cake, layered cake, buttercream frosting, coffee chocolate cake, special occasion dessert

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/black-velvet-cake-with-black-cocoa-buttercream-recipe/