Description
A stunning Black Velvet Halloween Cake layered with rich blackberry compote and frosted with black cocoa buttercream. Adorned with chocolate skulls and gothic rose petals, this spooky dessert is the ultimate centerpiece for Halloween parties and gothic gatherings, blending dramatic visuals with indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups (400g) white granulated sugar
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
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3/4 cup (75g) black cocoa powder, sifted
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2 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
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1 cup (240ml) hot coffee
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1/2 cup (120ml) canola oil
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2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Compote:
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2 cups (300g) fresh blackberries
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2 tbsp (25g) white granulated sugar
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1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 cinnamon stick
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1/4 cup (60ml) water
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1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
For the Black Cocoa Buttercream:
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
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1 cup (100g) black cocoa powder, sifted
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
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Chocolate skulls
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Fresh blackberries
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Dried rose petals (crushed)
Instructions
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Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch pans. Sift flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla separately. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee.
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Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pans.
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Make Blackberry Compote: Simmer blackberries, sugar, lemon juice/zest, and cinnamon stick for 5-6 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Chill for at least 1 hour.
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Prepare Buttercream: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, black cocoa, salt, and vanilla. Whip until fluffy.
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Assemble Cake: Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a plate, pipe a frosting ring, fill with compote, and top with the second layer.
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Frost and Decorate: Apply a crumb coat, chill, then frost fully. Decorate with chocolate skulls, blackberries, and crushed rose petals.
Notes
Black cocoa is essential for the dark color and flavor.
Hot coffee enhances chocolate depth—don’t skip it.
Chill between frosting steps for a cleaner finish.
Make chocolate skulls using silicone molds for a haunting touch.
Cake layers and compote can be made ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (includes compote cooking)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking (Layer Cake)
- Cuisine: American