Black Velvet Halloween Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your Halloween celebrations with this decadent Black Velvet Halloween Cake. This show-stopping dessert features rich, moist layers of dark chocolate cake paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly themed for spooky season, this cake is adorned with festive decorations that add a playful touch to any gathering. Your guests will be enchanted by its striking appearance and delightful flavors!

Josie Lambert

Created by

Josie Lambert

Last updated on 2025-11-29T08:47:45.003Z

This Black Velvet Halloween Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Whether for a Halloween party or a fall gathering, it guarantees to impress!

A Spooktacular Treat for Everyone

The Black Velvet Halloween Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that brings joy to both children and adults alike. The rich, dark layers ooze decadence, while the playful colors of the food dye add just the right amount of festive charm. This cake can transform any Halloween gathering into a memorable celebration, making it a centerpiece that everyone will be talking about for days. Its moist texture paired with the creamy frosting creates a delightful contrast that enhances every bite.

Ideal for Halloween parties, this cake can also be the perfect addition to family gatherings, school events, and even cozy nights in. Its visually striking appearance can be easily customized with fun decorations that reflect your unique style. Whether you adorn it with spooky sprinkles or chocolate spider decorations, the Black Velvet Halloween Cake invites creativity and expression. It’s a blank canvas waiting for your artistic flair!

Perfecting the Baking Process

To achieve the best results with your Black Velvet Halloween Cake, it’s essential to carefully measure your ingredients. Baking is a science, and precision can make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture. Be sure to sift your dry ingredients to eliminate any lumps and ensure an even mix. This will contribute to the lightness and fluffiness of your cake. Remember to follow the baking times closely; every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cakes to prevent overbaking.

Another tip for success is to allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This helps the frosting stay intact and prevents it from melting or sliding down the sides, maintaining that beautiful presentation. Additionally, consider chilling your frosting slightly before applying it to the cake for a firmer texture, making it easier to spread and shape.

Don't forget to have fun during the decoration process! Let your imagination run wild with Halloween-themed embellishments. Whether it's candy pumpkins, edible glitter, or spooky themed toppers, the decorations can really give your cake a magical touch.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp black food coloring

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter between the prepared pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate with Halloween-themed decorations to enhance the festive look!

Slice and enjoy your delicious Black Velvet Halloween Cake!

Storing Your Cake

Once you’ve created your stunning Black Velvet Halloween Cake, you may wonder about the best way to store it. Ideally, keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a few days. This helps maintain its moisture and texture. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerating it is a good option, especially because of the cream cheese frosting, which requires cooler temperatures for safety.

For those who anticipate more than just a couple of servings, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Slice it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight freezer bag. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply let the slices thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Pairing Suggestions

The Black Velvet Halloween Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages, enhancing the overall dessert experience. For coffee enthusiasts, a rich espresso or flavored coffee complements the deep chocolate flavor, providing a delightful contrast. If you prefer tea, consider pairing it with a spiced chai or a classic Earl Grey, as the warm spices will harmonize with the cake's decadence.

For those looking for a more festive twist, serve the cake with a glass of milk or a delicious pumpkin spice latte. These options not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also bring out the cake's rich flavors brilliantly. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate the dish and offer a rewarding indulgence.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them on the day of serving.

→ Can I use different food coloring?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any colors that fit your Halloween theme.

Black Velvet Halloween Cake

Elevate your Halloween celebrations with this decadent Black Velvet Halloween Cake. This show-stopping dessert features rich, moist layers of dark chocolate cake paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly themed for spooky season, this cake is adorned with festive decorations that add a playful touch to any gathering. Your guests will be enchanted by its striking appearance and delightful flavors!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Josie Lambert

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  4. 1 tsp baking soda
  5. 1 tsp salt
  6. 1 cup buttermilk
  7. 1 cup vegetable oil
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  10. 1 tsp red food coloring
  11. 1 tsp black food coloring

For the Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 4 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  5. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter between the prepared pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 03

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate with Halloween-themed decorations to enhance the festive look!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugars: 35g
  • Protein: 3g