Description
This Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a rich and decadent dessert perfect for a festive Halloween celebration. Featuring moist black cocoa cake layers infused with coffee for depth, layered with a tangy blackberry compote, and frosted with dark black cocoa buttercream, this cake combines bold flavors and striking appearance. The decorative fresh blackberries and chocolate skulls complete the spooky, elegant look to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup black cocoa powder (or Dutch-process cocoa for a lighter color)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
Blackberry Compote
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Black Cocoa Buttercream Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ cup black cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- Fresh blackberries
- Chocolate skulls or other spooky decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans, then line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even mixing. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Finally, add the hot brewed coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, then bake for 30 to 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Blackberry Compote: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes to soften the berries. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the compote, cooking a few minutes more until thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the compote to a bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until cool and set.
- Prepare the Buttercream: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually sift and add the powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, beating continuously until fully combined and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat for another 1 to 2 minutes to incorporate completely.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of the blackberry compote over the top, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent seepage. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to adhere. Frost the entire cake evenly with the black cocoa buttercream, smoothing the sides and top with a spatula for a clean finish.
- Decorate: Top the frosted cake with fresh blackberries to add a natural, festive touch. Optionally, add chocolate skulls or other Halloween-themed decorations for a spooky, elegant presentation perfect for seasonal celebrations.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
- Black cocoa powder gives the cake its distinctive deep black color; Dutch-process cocoa is a lighter alternative if preferred.
- Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and ensures a moist cake texture.
- For a firmer compote, ensure to chill it thoroughly before using it in the cake assembly.
- Decorations are optional but add to the Halloween theme and visual appeal.
