“Close-up of Black Velvet Halloween Cake slice on a rustic black plate, dark rich chocolate layers, creamy frosting, decorated with orange sprinkles and candy eyes, cozy autumn candlelight, blurred wooden farmhouse table, ultra sharp — Black Velvet Halloween Cake – Easy, Fresh & Delicious 6

When October nights turn crisp and the porch glows with pumpkin lanterns, nothing sets the mood like a spooky dessert centerpiece. This Black Velvet Halloween Cake brings together the deep richness of a chocolate cake with the dramatic flair of jet-black cocoa. Frosted with silky cream cheese frosting and decorated with Halloween touches, it’s a treat that feels both eerie and indulgent. Whether you’re planning a haunted house party or a cozy Samhain gathering, this cake promises smiles, shivers, and plenty of second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Black Velvet Halloween Cake

🖤 Perfect for Halloween Parties: Dark, dramatic, and festive.
🍫 Rich Chocolate Flavor: Deep cocoa notes balanced with tangy frosting.
🎃 Seasonal Fun: Ideal for Halloween dinners, treats, or themed birthdays (kue ulang tahun).
🕯 Moist & Tender: Soft crumb that stays fresh for days.
👩‍🍳 Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps with showstopping results.

Tools and Preparation

Two 8-inch round cake pans: For even layers.
Stand mixer or hand mixer: Creams butter and sugar smoothly.
Parchment paper: Keeps cake from sticking.
Offset spatula: Spreads frosting neatly.
Food coloring gel (black): Achieves that spooky velvet look.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp black cocoa powder (or dark cocoa)
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
1 cup neutral oil
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tsp black food coloring gel

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Black or orange sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line pans with parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, vinegar, vanilla, and food coloring until smooth.
Combine: Fold wet into dry gently until batter forms.
Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla.
Assemble Cake: Place first layer on plate, frost, stack second layer, and cover with frosting.
Decorate: Use sprinkles, candy eyes, or Halloween toppers for fun.

How to Serve Black Velvet Halloween Cake

As a Halloween party centerpiece with spooky décor.
Slice and serve with hot cocoa for a cozy October night.
With vanilla ice cream for a balanced treat.
Cut into smaller squares for Halloween snack trays.
Serve during a Samhain dinner as a symbolic sweet.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use black cocoa for deepest color and flavor.
Chill cake before frosting for fewer crumbs.
Slice with a hot, clean knife for neat pieces.
Add a dash of espresso powder to enhance chocolate notes.
Store frosting in the fridge until ready to use.

Best Pairings / Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with lighter sides and cozy autumn flavors:

A fresh apple cider punch.
Roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Vanilla whipped cream topping.

👉 It also pairs wonderfully with my Pumpkin Streusel Bread for a cozy fall dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding too much food coloring use gel for strong results.
Overmixing batter can make cake tough.
Frosting a warm cake leads to melted frosting.
Skipping parchment paper cake may stick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store frosted cake in fridge up to 4 days.
Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly up to 1 month.
Bring slices to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

✨ This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!

FAQs

Can I make this Black Velvet Halloween Cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake cake layers a day in advance, wrap tightly, and frost the next day.

Do I need black cocoa for this recipe?

It gives the deepest flavor and color, but dark cocoa works too.

Can I use cream cheese frosting alternatives?

Absolutely whipped buttercream with orange food coloring is another festive option.

How do I decorate for Halloween?

Try candy eyes, spiderweb piping, or crushed Oreos for a spooky effect.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is all about fun, a little fright, and plenty of sweetness. This Black Velvet Halloween Cake brings them all together in one delicious dessert. With its striking color, rich taste, and festive spirit, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends on chilly October nights.

💌 If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!