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Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Layer Cake with Easy Orange Buttercream

black velvet halloween layer cake - featured image
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A moist, rich black velvet cake with intense black cocoa powder paired with a light, citrusy orange buttercream frosting. Perfect for Halloween celebrations with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75 g) black cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour or cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly and set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and white vinegar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. To make the orange buttercream, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with orange juice and zest, beating well after each addition.
  9. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust consistency with more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of orange buttercream on top.
  11. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Use an offset spatula for smooth edges or create wavy patterns for a spooky touch.
  12. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the buttercream before slicing.

Notes

Use Hershey’s Special Dark black cocoa powder for the richest color. Fresh orange zest is essential for bright flavor. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and coconut milk. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10 minutes before spreading. Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, Halloween cake, orange buttercream, black cocoa powder, festive dessert, layer cake, chocolate cake, citrus frosting

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/decadent-black-velvet-halloween-layer-cake-with-easy-orange-buttercream-recipe/