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Perfect Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender black velvet cake with a striking black crumb paired with a fresh, tangy orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75 g) black cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust with flour or line with parchment paper. (5 minutes)
  2. Sift together flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. (5 minutes)
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. (5 minutes)
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. (3 minutes)
  5. In a small bowl, stir together buttermilk, vanilla extract, and espresso powder (if using). (2 minutes)
  6. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until blended. (7 minutes)
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. (30-35 minutes)
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and cool completely. (At least 1 hour)
  9. Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  10. Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until frosting is thick but spreadable. (10-15 minutes)
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add second cake layer and frost top and sides evenly. Optionally, decorate with extra orange zest or edible decorations. (10 minutes)

Notes

Avoid the white pith when zesting the orange to prevent bitterness. For dairy-free versions, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and butter with coconut oil. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Cool cake layers completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, Halloween cake, orange cream cheese frosting, black cocoa powder, spooky dessert, easy Halloween recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/perfect-black-velvet-halloween-cake-recipe-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-steps/