The Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing

 

The Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing

If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready to meet your new obsession. The Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing is rich, decadent, and indulgently moist. Topped with a luxurious dark black velvet frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any time you need a seriously impressive dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

For the Black Velvet Icing:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (adjust as needed for consistency)

• Optional: black gel food coloring for extra dramatic effect

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water—this makes the batter thin, but ensures a super moist cake.

2. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

3. Make the Black Velvet Icing
In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed. Add salt, vanilla, and heavy cream, then beat on medium-high until fluffy. For a deeper black color, add black gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the desired shade.

4. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of icing on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides with remaining icing. Smooth or create swirls for a dramatic, elegant look.

Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Cake

• Use high-quality cocoa: This makes a noticeable difference in flavor and richness.

• Don’t skip the boiling water: It helps activate the cocoa and makes the cake moist.

• Adjust frosting consistency: Add more cream if too thick, or a bit more powdered sugar if too thin.

Why You’ll Love It

This cake is the ultimate chocolate indulgence. The moist, deeply chocolatey layers pair perfectly with the velvety, almost black icing, creating a dessert that’s as visually striking as it is delicious. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because, The Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing is guaranteed to impress.