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Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Cake with Blood Orange Frosting

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A striking and indulgent black velvet cake with a tangy blood orange frosting, perfect for Halloween celebrations. This recipe combines pantry staples with a unique citrus twist for a moist, flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (315 g), sifted
  • Cocoa powder, unsweetened – ½ cup (50 g)
  • Baking soda – 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated sugar – 1 ¾ cups (350 g)
  • Vegetable oil – 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup (240 ml), or homemade (milk + lemon juice)
  • Large eggs – 2, room temperature
  • Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
  • Black gel food coloring – 2 teaspoons
  • Strong brewed coffee – ½ cup (120 ml), cooled (optional)
  • Unsalted butter – 1 cup (227 g), softened
  • Powdered sugar – 3 to 3 ½ cups (360–420 g), sifted
  • Blood orange marmalade – ¼ cup (80 g)
  • Heavy cream or milk – 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and dust with cocoa powder. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, black gel food coloring, and cooled coffee until combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring gently until no flour streaks remain. Batter should be thick but pourable.
  5. Divide batter evenly between pans. Tap pans to release air bubbles. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  7. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with blood orange marmalade and vanilla extract. Add cream or milk to reach spreadable consistency.
  8. Place one cake layer on plate, spread frosting evenly. Top with second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Smooth or create swirls with offset spatula.
  9. Garnish with candied blood orange slices, edible glitter, or black sprinkles. Chill cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Coffee enhances cocoa flavor but can be substituted with strong black tea. Gel food coloring is preferred for deep black color. Let cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10 minutes before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cake, blood orange frosting, Halloween cake, chocolate cake, spooky dessert, easy cake recipe, festive cake

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/decadent-black-velvet-halloween-cake-recipe-with-blood-orange-frosting-tips/