Name: Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups White granulated sugar; 2 cups All purpose flour (sifted); 3/4 cup Black cocoa powder (sifted); 2 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Baking powder; 1 tsp Salt; 2 Eggs (room temperature); 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature); 1 cup Coffee (hot); 1/2 cup Canola oil; 2 tsp Vanilla extract; 2 cups Fresh blackberries; 2 tbsp White granulated sugar; 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp Lemon zest; 1 Cinnamon stick; 1/4 cup Water; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 8 oz Cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups Powdered sugar (sifted); 1 cup Black cocoa powder (sifted); 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; Chocolate skulls; Fresh blackberries; Dried rose petals

There is something irresistibly captivating about the Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe that makes it the perfect centerpiece for any autumn celebration. This cake combines the rich, deep flavor of black cocoa with a luscious cream cheese and black cocoa frosting, layered with a vibrant blackberry compote that adds the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The dramatic black velvet color paired with chocolate skulls, fresh blackberries, and delicate dried rose petals create a hauntingly beautiful treat that tastes just as incredible as it looks. Whether you’re gathering with friends, impressing at a Halloween party, or simply craving a decadent dessert, this cake will surprise and delight everyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl rests on a white marbled surface, holding a metal sieve filled with a mix of white powder and black powder. A woman's left hand grips the side handle of the sieve, while the woman's right hand stirs the powders inside using a spatula with a white head and a dark red handle. The powders contrast sharply with each other, white and black, showing a rough and powdery texture. The scene is simple and focused on the mixing process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to bake this Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but crucial. Each one plays a unique role, from building the cake’s tender crumb and moist texture to giving it that striking black color and rich flavor that makes this dessert unforgettable.

White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and works with leavening for a light crumb.
All purpose flour (sifted): The base for structure and texture in your cake layers.
Black cocoa powder (sifted): A darker, bolder cocoa that gives the cake its signature spooky black color and deep chocolate taste.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully, creating fluffy layers.
Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for an even lift.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs (room temperature): Provide moisture, structure, and richness to the cake.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
Coffee (hot): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Canola oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist while maintaining a neutral flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
Fresh blackberries: Essential for the blackberry compote, adding freshness and a natural fruity contrast.
White granulated sugar (for compote): Sweetens the blackberries while cooking.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the compote with zesty acidity.
Lemon zest: Provides an aromatic citrus punch.
Cinnamon stick: Adds a subtle spicy warmth to the compote.
Water: Helps thicken the compote with cornstarch.
Cornstarch: Creates the perfect glossy, thick texture in the compote.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, adding tang and creaminess.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the frosting body and smoothness.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and lightens the frosting.
Black cocoa powder (sifted): Turns the frosting a spooky black and deepens chocolate flavor.
Salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds warmth and complexity to the frosting.
Chocolate skulls, fresh blackberries, dried rose petals: Stunning decorative toppings that complete this terrifyingly delicious cake.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Black Velvet Cake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare two 8-inch cake pans by spraying them with nonstick spray and lining the bottoms and sides with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and keeps your cake layers intact and beautiful.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is key here—it blends everything smoothly and avoids unwanted clumps for that perfect crumb.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the buttermilk, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps everything emulsify better, producing a smoother batter.

Step 4: Bringing it All Together

Make a well in the center of the dry mixture; pour in your wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The final step here is to mix in the hot coffee—it amplifies the chocolate notes without making the batter bitter.

Step 5: Baking the Cake Layers

Divide your luscious black batter evenly between the two pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing them to keep the layers moist and sturdy.

Step 6: Creating the Blackberry Compote

Place fresh blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest into a saucepan. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil, cooking for 5-6 minutes until the blackberries soften. Stir together water and cornstarch to form a slurry, then add it to the pan to thicken the compote beautifully. After removing the cinnamon stick, chill the compote to let its flavors fully develop.

Step 7: Making the Black Cocoa Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually sift in powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until you have a velvety frosting. Finish by adding vanilla extract for that perfect aromatic touch.

Step 8: Assembling the Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe

Level your cooled cake layers if needed, then place the first layer on your serving plate. Pipe a ring of frosting around the inside edge as a dam to hold in the blackberry compote, then spread a generous layer of compote inside the ring. Position the second layer on top, bottom side facing up for an even surface. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake and chill for 20 minutes before finishing with a final smooth coat of frosting.

Step 9: Decorating Your Cake

This is where the cake truly becomes a showstopper. Garnish with chocolate skulls, fresh blackberries, and a sprinkling of dried rose petals to bring a spooky elegance that fits perfectly with the Halloween theme.

How to Serve Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe

The images show three stages of making a dark chocolate cake. The first image shows two round black cake layers sitting on a wire rack cooling on a wooden surface. The layers have a rough, moist texture. The second image shows a glass bowl filled with thick, dark black frosting with swirled, creamy texture, placed on the same wooden surface. The third image shows a white bowl filled with bright red raspberry jam with visible seeds, with a spoon covered in the jam held over the bowl by a woman's hand. The background for all is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the chocolate skulls and fresh blackberries, consider adding edible glitter or a dusting of black cocoa powder for an extra dramatic finish. These small touches elevate the cake’s creepy yet refined aesthetic.

Side Dishes

Complement this rich cake with light sides like spiced autumn fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense chocolate and tangy blackberry flavors. Warm mulled cider or a bold black coffee also pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake on a vintage cake stand surrounded by flickering candles and fall leaves to create an atmospheric display. You could also carve out a small section in the center to add more blackberry compote for an interactive surprise. Wrapping delicate lace or twine around the base adds a charming, rustic touch for your Halloween spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and decorated, store any leftover Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout your spooky celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze undecorated and unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If preferred, allow a slice to warm slightly outside the fridge for 30 minutes to unlock its full flavor and softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?

While regular cocoa powder works, black cocoa powder has a much darker color and a richer, less acidic flavor that’s essential for that signature black velvet look and taste in this recipe.

How do I make the blackberry compote smoother?

If you prefer a seedless compote, simply strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking. This removes the seeds and creates a silky texture perfect for layering.

Is it okay to use coffee substitutes?

You can use strong brewed tea or just hot water if you want to avoid caffeine. However, coffee enhances the chocolate flavor wonderfully, so it’s worth adding if possible.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy products like cream cheese and butter, so vegan adaptations would require some testing with alternatives like vegan cream cheese and oils to maintain the texture.

What is the best way to prevent cake crumbs from mixing into the frosting?

Applying a thin crumb coat and chilling the cake before the final frosting layer traps the crumbs, resulting in a clean, smooth finish every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the Spooky Black Velvet Halloween Cake Recipe to deliver both a mesmerizing visual and a deliciously rich flavor experience. It’s a cake that invites a little theatrics in the kitchen and rewards you with every bite. Give this recipe a try for your next Halloween party or any time you want to impress with a stunning dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks. Happy baking and happy haunting!