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Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing Recipe

4.9 from 113 reviews

A rich and decadent Double Chocolate Cake topped with smooth and indulgent Black Velvet Icing. This dessert combines the deep, intense flavor of cocoa in the moist cake layers with a silky, dark chocolate frosting, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a luxurious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Black Velvet Icing

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably black cocoa powder for deeper color)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 46 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  2. Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  3. Make the Black Velvet Icing: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy, adding more cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  4. Frost the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of icing evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top for a polished finish.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor in both cake and icing.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the icing.
  • The black velvet icing can be made richer by using black cocoa powder for a deeper color and flavor.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: double chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, black velvet icing, chocolate frosting, rich chocolate cake, layered cake