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Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Layer Cake Recipe with Easy Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

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A rich and moist black velvet layer cake with a striking orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween celebrations. This easy recipe combines deep cocoa flavor with a tangy, smooth frosting for a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50g) black cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (neutral flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans. Tap the pans lightly to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  10. Add the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  12. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
  13. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
  14. Optionally, pipe frosting around the edges or add Halloween-themed decorations.
  15. If frosting is too soft to hold shape, chill for 15 minutes before continuing.

Notes

Use black cocoa powder for the intense black color and smoky flavor. Keep eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Chill frosting if too soft. You can substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free alternatives for dietary needs. Baking as cupcakes reduces baking time to 18-22 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, Halloween cake, orange cream cheese frosting, black cocoa powder, layered cake, festive dessert

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/decadent-black-velvet-halloween-layer-cake-recipe-with-easy-orange-cream-cheese-frosting/