Print

Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

black velvet Halloween cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A moist and tender black velvet cake with subtle cocoa flavor, topped with a tangy orange cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Halloween parties with striking black and orange colors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ⅓ cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon black food coloring gel (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and black gel food coloring (if using).
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  9. Stir in orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
  11. Use an offset spatula to create swirls or smooth the frosting. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  12. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute for a tender crumb. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake soft. Fresh orange zest and juice are key for bright frosting flavor. Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with gluten-free baking blend. Vegan adaptations are possible with plant-based substitutes and flax eggs.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/decadent-black-velvet-halloween-cake-recipe-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/