Black Velvet Cake

Black Velvet Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, offering a luxurious combination of deep, rich chocolate cake and a luscious Oreo cream cheese frosting. This show-stopping cake is incredibly moist, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The frosting, loaded with crushed Oreo cookies, adds a creamy sweetness and delightful crunch that perfectly complements the intense cocoa flavor of the cake.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a decadent treat, this Black Velvet Cake is guaranteed to impress. Its dramatic black hue and layers of cream cheese frosting make it a visual and culinary masterpiece, while the balance of rich chocolate and sweet frosting ensures it’s loved by kids and adults alike.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for special occasions and indulgent moments alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Chocolate Flavor: Made with dark cocoa powder, this cake delivers an intense chocolate flavor that’s truly unforgettable.

Moist and Velvety Texture: Buttermilk and oil in the batter ensure the cake stays soft and tender with every bite.

Decadent Frosting: The Oreo cream cheese frosting is creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Elegant Appearance: The dark chocolate layers and contrasting white frosting speckled with Oreo crumbs create a stunning visual effect.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual dessert, this cake is always a hit.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 38g

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until combined.
4. Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of Oreo cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake. Chill for 20 minutes to set.
3. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top with a spatula.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Decorate the cake with additional crushed Oreos, whole cookies, or chocolate shavings if desired.
2. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Background

Dark Cocoa Powder

Dark cocoa powder is essential for the cake’s rich, black hue and intense chocolate flavor. It gives the cake its “velvet” quality while adding depth and a slightly bittersweet edge.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk adds tanginess and moisture to the cake, enhancing its velvety texture and complementing the chocolate.

Oreo Cookies

Crushed Oreos in the frosting provide both texture and flavor, making this cake a true treat for cookies-and-cream lovers.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese creates a tangy, smooth frosting that balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the richness of the cake.

Technique Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even baking.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.

Crumb Coat: Applying a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs makes the final frosting layer smooth and flawless.

Chill the Cake: Chilling the assembled cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing helps set the frosting and makes cutting clean slices easier.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Cupcakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Frost with the Oreo cream cheese frosting for individual treats.

Sheet Cake: Bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan for a simpler presentation. Spread the frosting on top and garnish with crushed Oreos.

Layered Trifle: Cut the cake into cubes and layer it with frosting and extra Oreos in a glass trifle dish for an elegant dessert.

Additional Tips for Success

Level the Layers: Use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cake layers for an even, professional look.

Use High-Quality Cocoa: Dark cocoa powder elevates the flavor and appearance of the cake, so opt for a good-quality brand.

Decorate with Care: Add whole Oreos or chocolate curls on top for a striking visual effect.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the top for an extra layer of decadence.

Peanut Butter Twist: Add a layer of peanut butter frosting between the cake layers for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.

Mint Oreo Cake: Replace regular Oreos with mint-flavored Oreos for a refreshing twist.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free while retaining its velvety texture.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Freezing: Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

Leftover Slices: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Reduce Sugar: Use less powdered sugar in the frosting for a slightly less sweet dessert.

Lighter Frosting: Substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat option.

Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Less Oil: Use applesauce in place of half the oil to reduce fat while keeping the cake moist.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Birthday Celebration: Decorate with candles and Oreos for a birthday-worthy centerpiece.

Holiday Dessert: Add red or green sprinkles for a festive touch during the holiday season.

Casual Gatherings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Elegant Dinner Party: Pair with a glass of red wine or a rich espresso for a sophisticated dessert.

Special Equipment

9-Inch Round Cake Pans: Ensures evenly baked layers that stack perfectly.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Makes creaming the frosting and mixing the batter effortless.

Offset Spatula: Essential for spreading and smoothing the frosting evenly.

Cake Turntable: Allows for easy frosting and decorating by rotating the cake smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder?
   Yes, but the flavor and color will be lighter compared to dark cocoa powder.
2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Bake the layers a day ahead, store them wrapped in plastic wrap, and frost the next day.
3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
4. Can I use store-bought frosting?
   While homemade frosting is recommended, store-bought cream cheese frosting can be used for convenience.
5. How do I store leftover frosting?
   Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Rewhip before using.
6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
7. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
   Grease and flour the pans thoroughly or use parchment paper for easy release.
8. What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?
   Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin, or use a food processor for finer crumbs.

Conclusion

Black Velvet Cake is a decadent dessert that perfectly balances the richness of dark chocolate with the creamy sweetness of Oreo frosting. Its velvety texture and bold flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays.

This recipe is as stunning as it is delicious, with its dramatic appearance and indulgent taste. Whether served as the centerpiece of a special celebration or as a simple treat to satisfy chocolate cravings, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Try this Black Velvet Cake recipe today and experience a dessert that’s as luxurious as it is unforgettable!

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