Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and combined. If you’re adding black food coloring, stir it into the wet mixture at this stage.

4. Incorporate the Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

5. Add the Hot Water:

Slowly pour in the hot water and stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. The hot water helps activate the cocoa powder, making the cake rich and moist.

6. Check the Color:

At this stage, the batter should be very dark, but if you want an even blacker color, you can add more black food coloring. Stir until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the Batter:

Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure an even layer in each pan.

2. Bake the Cakes:

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.

3. Cool the Cakes:

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Vanilla and Sugar:

Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar (about 1 cup at a time) until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.

3. Chill the Frosting:

Once the frosting is ready, place it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly before using. This makes it easier to frost the cake without it sliding off.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Cakes:

If the tops of your cakes are slightly domed, use a serrated knife to gently level them off so they stack evenly.

2. Frost the First Layer:

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer using an offset spatula.

3. Add the Second Layer:

Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Press down gently to ensure it sits flat.

4. Frost the Top and Sides:

Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. You can smooth the frosting for a sleek look, or use the back of a spoon to create swirls and ridges for a more rustic, spooky effect.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

Now for the fun part—decorating your Black Velvet Halloween Cake!

1. Add Black Sprinkles or Edible Glitter:

Sprinkle black and orange sprinkles or edible glitter over the top of the cake. This will give the cake a festive Halloween touch.

2. Use Red or Orange Gel Icing:

For a blood-dripping effect, use red gel icing to pipe fake “blood” around the edges of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can also use orange gel icing for a more pumpkin-themed look.

3. Place Halloween Candies:

Top the cake with Halloween-themed candies, such as gummy spiders, chocolate bats, or candy eyeballs. Arrange them around the edges or in the center for a creepy yet playful design.

4. Dust with Black Cocoa Powder or Activated Charcoal:

For an extra dramatic effect, lightly dust the top of the cake with black cocoa powder or activated charcoal for a spooky, fog-like look.

5. Add Fondant Decorations:

If you’re feeling extra creative, you can use black fondant to create spooky shapes like ghosts, tombstones, or bats. Place these decorations on top of the cake or around the sides for a truly eerie cake presentation.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Black Velvet Halloween Cake is fully decorated, it’s ready to serve! Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices and reveal the deep black, velvety interior. The contrast between the dark cake and creamy white frosting makes for a stunning presentation. Serve it with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a spooky Halloween cocktail!