Decadent Black Velvet Cake 🍰🖤
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🥣
1 cup black cocoa powder 🍫
2 tsp baking powder 🌟
1/2 tsp baking soda 🥄
1/2 tsp salt 🧂
1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 🧈
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar 🍬
4 large eggs 🥚
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature) 🥛
1/2 cup hot water 💧
2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting 🧈
4 cups powdered sugar (sifted) 🍚
1/2 cup black cocoa powder for frosting 🍫
1/3 cup heavy cream (plus more if needed) 🥛
2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting 🍦
Pinch of salt for frosting 🧂
Optional garnishes: Blackberries, black cherries, fresh mint leaves, edible gold leaf or metallic sprinkles 🍇🍒🌿✨
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. You'll want to whip some air into it!
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition, followed by the tasty vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients for the best results.
6. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. Don't worry if it’s a little thin—that's perfectly normal!
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a large bowl, beat the butter for frosting until it's creamy and smooth.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, alternating with the heavy cream, until your frosting is silky and fluffy.
12. Beat in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, just add a splash more cream until it’s spreadable.
13. Level off the cake layers if needed, ensuring they stack evenly.
14. Place the first layer on a serving plate or cake stand, and spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
15. Repeat with the second and third layers, then frost the sides and the top of the cake to perfection.
16. Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula for a sleek look, or create some fun texture if you're feeling adventurous!
17. Garnish your masterpiece with blackberries, cherries, mint leaves, or some dazzling edible gold for an elegant touch.
18. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let that gorgeous frosting set.
Enjoy your indulgent creation! 🍰❤️