Print

Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Layer Cake Easy Recipe with Orange Frosting

black velvet halloween layer cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and moist black velvet layer cake with a bright, tangy orange frosting, perfect for Halloween celebrations. The cake combines deep cocoa flavor with fresh orange zest for a festive and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or milk + 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice/vinegar)
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (neutral oil like canola preferred)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon black food coloring gel (optional)
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and black food coloring gel until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix on low speed with a mixer until just combined, about 30 seconds. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and cake springs back lightly when pressed.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, invert onto cooling racks, and remove parchment paper. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. To make frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
  9. Add fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes until light and creamy. Adjust orange juice or powdered sugar to desired consistency.
  10. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread one-third of frosting evenly on top.
  11. Place second cake layer on top and spread remaining frosting on top and around sides.
  12. Chill cake for 15 minutes and smooth frosting again if desired.
  13. Optional: Decorate with piped frosting swirls, Halloween sprinkles, edible decorations, or candied orange peel strips.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Sift dry ingredients to avoid clumps. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Adjust frosting consistency with orange juice or powdered sugar as needed. Cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead and frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cake, black velvet cake, orange frosting, layered cake, cocoa cake, festive dessert, easy cake recipe

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