Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee granules.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add Boiling Water: Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing slowly until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cakes with a knife to ensure they are flat.
- Frost the Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting between each layer.
- Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Ganache Drip
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Add Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
- Apply Ganache: Once the ganache has cooled slightly but is still pourable, slowly pour it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the ganache.
- Serve: Slice and serve the black velvet cake at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract to the frosting for a different flavor.
- Decorations: Decorate with edible gold leaf, chocolate curls, or fresh berries for an elegant presentation.
- Extra Moist: Brush the cake layers with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) before frosting to keep them extra moist.
- Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
Conclusion
A Luxurious Black Velvet Cake is a decadent and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. The combination of rich dark chocolate cake, creamy cream cheese frosting, and a smooth ganache drip makes this cake truly indulgent. Enjoy making and sharing this stunning dessert with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
A Luxurious Black Velvet Cake offers a rich, moist, and incredibly elegant treat that’s perfect for any celebration. This versatile recipe can be customized with various flavors and decorations to suit your taste. Enjoy the decadent and satisfying results of this amazing black velvet cake!