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Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Layer Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

black velvet halloween layer cake - featured image
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A rich, visually stunning black velvet layer cake with a zesty orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween parties and festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ⅔ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons black gel food coloring
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • Fresh orange zest from 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and instant espresso powder until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Stir in black gel food coloring until the batter is thick and glossy with an almost ink-black appearance.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 28-32 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 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. To prepare the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
  11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly on top.
  12. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth the sides and top with an offset spatula.
  13. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and frosting set.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for the best black color without watering down the batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts. Espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. For gluten-free, swap flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum. For dairy-free frosting, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, Halloween cake, orange cream cheese frosting, layer cake, chocolate cake, festive dessert, party cake

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