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Perfect Black Velvet Halloween Layer Cake Recipe with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

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A dramatic black velvet cake with bright orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween. This moist and tender cake balances rich cocoa flavor with a tangy, citrusy frosting for a festive and crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75 grams) unsweetened black cocoa powder (recommend Hershey’s Special Dark)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil, neutral flavor
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 grams) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2 medium oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water, then slowly pour into wet ingredients while whisking. If skipping espresso powder, just use hot water.
  5. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined; a few small lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean with moist crumbs.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Beat softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about 1/3 of frosting evenly on top. Add second layer and frost top and sides with remaining frosting. Smooth with offset spatula.
  10. Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes to let frosting set before slicing.

Notes

Use black cocoa powder for the best dark color and flavor. Bloom cocoa with hot water and espresso powder to deepen flavor. Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for smooth frosting. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, Halloween cake, orange cream cheese frosting, black cocoa powder, spooky dessert, layered cake, homemade cake

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/perfect-black-velvet-halloween-layer-cake-recipe-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-homemade/