Moist Black Velvet Cake Recipe

Whether you’re a die-hard chocolate lover or simply looking to elevate your next dessert moment, this black velvet cake is the showstopper your kitchen’s been waiting for.

In this post, I’ll guide you through an intensely moist, rich, and velvety creation that’s as luxurious to eat as it is to behold. We’ll uncover the story behind it, how it compares to its red velvet cousin, and all the tips to ensure yours turns out bakery-perfect every single time. If you’ve been hunting for a cake that hits all the right notes—flavor, texture, elegance—this one’s it.

What is Black Velvet Cake?

Black velvet cake is a rich chocolate cake made with ingredients similar to red velvet—think buttermilk, vinegar, and baking soda for that signature tender crumb—but with a much deeper cocoa profile and a striking dark hue. Often colored with black cocoa or dark chocolate, it’s less sweet and more intense, perfect for grown-up palates or those who want something bold for special occasions.

You might also enjoy the Delicious Strawberry Matcha Cake or Matcha Tea Tiramisu—two more innovative recipes that play with color, texture and taste just like this one.

Tips for Making This Black Velvet Cake

Key Ingredients for Moist, Bold Flavor

The secret to a sensational black velvet cake lies in the harmony between ingredients. You want richness without heaviness and bold cocoa without bitterness. For this recipe, I use a combination of buttermilk, black cocoa, and a touch of espresso powder for depth. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Black cocoa powder	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	2 cups
Buttermilk	1 cup
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Large eggs	3
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
White vinegar	1 tbsp
Baking soda	1 tsp
Espresso powder (optional)	1 tsp

Learn the difference between cocoa powders and how it affect your cake’s texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pans & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and espresso powder. Mixing dry ingredients first helps ensure an even texture in your final black velvet cake.

4. Alternate Wet & Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until the mixture is well combined. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; don’t overmix.

Discover why buttermilk is a must in cakes and how it creates that tender crumb in black velvet cake.

5. Finish with Vinegar Magic

In a small cup, mix the vinegar and a tablespoon of hot water. Stir into the batter. This little trick activates the baking soda, giving your cake that signature fluffy yet dense crumb.

6. Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in pans, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

Looking for more classic baking inspiration? Don’t miss the Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole if you’re planning a savory main for dessert night, or explore how to lighten things up with our Best Nature’s Gatorade Coconut Water Drink.

Frosting & Serving Your Black Velvet Cake

Choosing the Perfect Frosting

Now that your black velvet cake layers are cool, it’s time to dress them up. The classic choice? Cream cheese frosting. Its tang cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a smooth, slightly tangy contrast that’s simply irresistible. But if you want to lean into the drama, a silky dark chocolate ganache or a whipped mascarpone frosting are both spectacular options.

Frosting Type	Flavor Profile	Best For
Cream Cheese	Tangy, smooth, slightly sweet	Classic pairing, crowd-pleasers
Dark Chocolate Ganache	Deep, rich, bittersweet	Elegant dinner parties
Mascarpone Whip	Light, creamy, mildly sweet	Summer events, lighter fare

To frost, stack the layers with a generous amount of frosting between each. Finish with a crumb coat, then chill for 10 minutes. Apply your final, luscious layer of frosting. Garnish with chocolate curls, blackberries, or even edible gold flakes for an extra touch of elegance.

Creative Twists You Can Try

• Add a layer of blackberry or cherry compote between the layers for a fruity kick.
• Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and add a pinch of cardamom for a sultry twis.t
• Use black sesame seeds or crushed chocolate cookies on the outer edges for texture and flai.r

The deep flavor of black velvet cake makes it ideal for customization while still staying true to its bold identity. If you’re into layering flavors, try pairing it with components from our Matcha Tea Tiramisu for an unexpected East-meets-South dessert bar.

Print

FAQs: Black Velvet Cake

1- What is black velvet cake?

It’s a rich, cocoa-heavy cake with a dark hue and tender crumb, similar to red velvet but with a deeper flavor.

2- What’s the difference between red and black velvet cake?

Black velvet uses more cocoa and less sugar, with black cocoa giving it a darker color and bolder taste.

3- What does black velvet taste like?

Smooth, decadent chocolate with a mild tang from buttermilk, paired with a soft, velvety texture.

4- Does black velvet cake taste good?

Yes, it’s delicious—perfectly balanced, not too sweet, and loved by chocolate fans and red velvet lovers alike.