Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing Recipe

If you’re searching for an unforgettable dessert that wows both visually and flavor-wise, you need to try the Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing. This cake is super rich and oh-so-chocolatey, with a dramatic, sultry icing that turns heads at any gathering. Each tender, fudgy bite feels like a decadent treat, while the inky-black frosting adds a little edge—and a lot of intrigue—to a timeless favorite. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just to treat yourself, this showstopper delivers pure chocolate bliss in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in the Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing has a purpose, coming together to create the ultimate, deeply chocolatey cake with bold color and unforgettable taste. These pantry staples and cake essentials are easy to find but make a big impact.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives our cake structure and just the right crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Both in the cake and icing, it packs a double punch of chocolate flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness, balancing the rich cocoa.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Provide lift for a fluffy yet tender cake texture.
• Salt: A pinch sharpens and enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and adding moisture to the cake.
• Whole milk: Keeps the crumb soft and the cake moist.
• Vegetable oil: Adds extra moisture for that coveted fudgy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Layered into both cake and icing for depth and warmth.
• Boiling water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and ensures a lusciously moist cake.
• Unsalted butter (softened): The key to creamy, dreamy icing.
• Powdered sugar (sifted): Helps the black velvet icing stay light and silky smooth.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and perfect spreadability to the icing.
• Black food coloring: The secret to that mesmerizing, dramatic “black velvet” effect.

How to Make Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper. This step is crucial—it ensures every gorgeous slice comes out intact, making the finished Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing a true showpiece.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting isn’t just about avoiding lumps; it aerates the mixture, ensuring each bite of cake is as light and luscious as possible.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract right into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mixing them together brings all those flavors and textures together, creating a beautiful, rich batter base that sets this cake apart from ordinary chocolate cakes.

Step 4: Mix Batter and Add Boiling Water

Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! Then, carefully pour in the boiling water. Yes, the batter will look thin, but trust the process. This step guarantees an incredibly moist, tender crumb in your Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Patience pays off here—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes to finish setting, then gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cool cakes make for perfect icing later, so don’t rush this part.

Step 7: Make the Black Velvet Icing

For the iconic icing, beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then blend in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and black food coloring. Adjust the color as dramatic as you like! Keep beating everything together until the icing is fluffy, and adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Slather on a thick layer of that gorgeous black velvet icing. Stack the second cake round on top and cover the entire cake—top and sides—with the remaining icing. Don’t worry about perfection; luscious swirls and swoops add to the delicious drama.

Step 9: Chill & Serve

Refrigerate your finished Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing for at least 30 minutes. This helps set the icing and gives you clean, picture-worthy slices when serving. Now, stand back and admire your masterpiece before digging in!

How to Serve Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing

Garnishes

A dramatic cake deserves a little extra flair! Try adding chocolate curls, edible gold leaf, or a dusting of powdered sugar over the black velvet icing for a stunning contrast. Fresh berries or a smattering of flaky sea salt can also provide a pop of color and a surprising flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing is perfectly decadent on its own, but it also shines alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For something special, serve with a small pour of espresso or a crisp glass of sparkling wine to cut through all that rich chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take the wow-factor even higher, try slicing and layering the cake into small vertical stripes for a “zebra” effect, or use a cookie cutter to create single-serve, frosted mini cakes. Arrange slices on a platter with edible flowers for a truly unforgettable dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have any leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully moist for up to 3 days in the refrigerator—just be sure to let the cake come to room temperature before diving in for the best texture.

Freezing

The Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing freezes beautifully! For best results, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the whole cake (without garnishes) in a cake box. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

While this cake tastes best at room temperature, a short 10-second burst in the microwave brings back its just-baked softness. If reheating from frozen, allow the cake or slices to fully thaw, then warm briefly if you like that oozy, melty chocolate experience.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural?

Absolutely, though it may affect the rise and the intensity of the chocolate flavor slightly. Dutch-processed cocoa creates a deeper color and smoother flavor, which can amplify the drama of the Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing.

How can I get the icing really black?

Start with a good-quality black food coloring gel, adding a couple of drops and mixing thoroughly after each addition. Let your icing rest briefly—the color will deepen. For a super dark effect, use dark cocoa powder along with the food coloring.

Can I bake this cake in advance?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Wait to prepare and apply the black velvet icing on the day you plan to serve for best freshness and color vibrancy.

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

This version contains gluten, dairy, and eggs, but with some substitutions (like non-dairy milk, vegan butter, or gluten-free flour blends), you can adapt it to suit most dietary needs. The beauty of the Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing is how flexible the recipe can be!

What if I don’t have black food coloring?

You can still enjoy an ultra-rich double chocolate cake with delicious cocoa frosting! The icing will be a deep chocolate brown, and though it won’t have the “velvet black” effect, it’ll taste just as incredible.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t think of a more dramatic or crowd-pleasing dessert than the Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing. It’s bold, it’s fudgy, and it’ll steal the show every time you serve it! If you give it a try, don’t be surprised when everyone begs for the recipe—happy baking!

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