Name: Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2–3 drops black food coloring (adjust for desired color intensity); 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Hey there, fellow chocolate enthusiasts! Are you ready to indulge in the most decadent, rich, and velvety chocolate experience ever? Look no further than this Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing. Imagine two layers of moist, dark chocolate cake, smothered in a luxurious black velvet icing that’s as mysterious as it is delicious. Trust me, this cake is a game-changer! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing is a must-try:

Versatile
Customize with your favorite mix-ins—chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even espresso powder for an added depth.

Budget-Friendly
While high-quality chocolate might seem pricey, making it at home saves you money in the long run. Plus, you get to enjoy it guilt-free!

Quick and Easy (Prep)
Yes, it takes time to bake and chill, but prep is a breeze. Just mix, pour, and bake—no complicated steps here!

Customizable
Want a lighter texture? Use more buttermilk. Prefer a stronger chocolate flavor? Add more cocoa powder or use dark chocolate. It’s all up to you!

Crowd-Pleasing
This cake is the ultimate showstopper. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Tuesday, everyone will love it.

Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Ingredients in Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing

Let’s break down the magic behind this cake:

For the Cake

All-Purpose Flour
Granulated Sugar
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt
Vegetable Oil
Eggs
Buttermilk
Vanilla Extract
Hot Coffee (optional)

For the Black Velvet Icing

Dark Chocolate
Heavy Cream
Unsalted Butter
Confectioners’ Sugar
Black Food Coloring (for the velvet effect)
Vanilla Extract

(Full measurements in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and hot coffee (if using).
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Black Velvet Icing

Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Whip Cream: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Combine Butter and Sugar: Beat unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Add Chocolate and Cream: Fold in melted chocolate and whipped cream until well combined. Add black food coloring to achieve the velvet effect.

Assemble the Cake

Place One Cake Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread Icing: Spread a generous amount of black velvet icing on top of the first layer.
Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 540

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (for the icing)
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes + chilling time

How to Serve Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing

Pair it with:

Fresh berries or a berry compote for a sweet contrast
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness
A drizzle of caramel sauce for a salty-sweet combination
A sprinkle of edible gold dust for extra glamour

Additional Tips

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Chill the cake layers before assembling for easier handling.
Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips in the batter.
For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder or add espresso powder.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without an oven?
No, baking is required for this recipe. However, you can use a toaster oven if needed.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting.

Can I use low-fat cream?
It’s possible, but the icing might be lighter and less rich.

How do I store leftover cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy milk and vegan chocolate for the icing.

Why is my icing too thin?
This could be due to too much cream or not enough confectioners’ sugar. Adjust accordingly.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Add them to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.

How do I achieve the black velvet effect?
Use a high-quality black food coloring to dye the icing. Start with a small amount and adjust until you reach the desired color.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a decadent Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing that’s sure to become the star of any gathering. It’s a journey worth taking, with each bite a testament to the magic of rich, velvety chocolate. So, go ahead, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking!