A Decadent Dessert for True Chocolate Lovers
Hey there, Kitchies! 🍰
Let me tell you something — if there’s one cake that will steal the show at any gathering and make your family sneak into the kitchen for seconds (and thirds), it’s this Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing.
This cake is moist, rich, and unapologetically chocolatey — the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes after every bite. And that Black Velvet Icing? Oh honey, it’s the dark, glossy magic that takes this cake from ordinary to gothic luxury vibes.
If you’re looking for a dessert that says “I mean business” while still being melt-in-your-mouth delicious… this one’s for you.
Why This Double Chocolate Cake Will Be Your New Favorite 🍫
✅ Made with real cocoa + melted chocolate for next-level flavor
✅ Super moist without being too dense
✅ Silky black cocoa buttercream that’s rich, not too sweet
✅ Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or when you’re just craving something extra
✅ It’s literally the chocolate cake of your dreams
How This Cake Became a Family Favorite 💕
The first time I made this cake, I honestly didn’t expect much. My husband is not a dessert person (I know — I question his life choices daily). But after one slice, he looked at me like I had just won The Great British Bake Off and said,
“Okay… THIS is the best cake you’ve ever made.”
Ever since, it’s been our go-to cake for birthdays, holidays, or just those random nights when we need a little sweet escape.
Why This Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing Is Worth Every Bite
- Rich, deep chocolate flavor
- Black cocoa gives the icing that velvet-dark color without food dye
- Moist without being too heavy
- Crowd-pleaser (even for people who claim they don’t like sweets)
- Freezer-friendly + stays moist for days
Cuisine:
American | Dessert
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for the fluffiest cake
- Don’t skip the hot coffee — it makes the cocoa taste even richer
- Chill the cake layers before frosting to avoid crumbs in your icing
- Black cocoa powder is the secret to that deep black icing without needing food dye
Substitutions & Variations
| Ingredient | Swap For… | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar | Dairy-free option |
| Coffee | Hot water | Milder flavor |
| Black Cocoa | Dutch-processed cocoa | Lighter color but still delicious |
Make a Healthier Version 💪
✅ Swap half the butter for Greek yogurt
✅ Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar
✅ Try a gluten-free flour blend
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Cake
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries
- Hot espresso or cold brew
And there you have it!
The Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing — rich, moist, and ready to make you feel like a total baking queen (or king 👑). Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little self-care in cake form — this recipe will never let you down.
Save This Recipe for Later 📌
Would you like me to create a Printable Chocolate Cake Recipe Card PDF to download? 🍫📄
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The cake stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
What is black cocoa powder?
It’s a Dutch-processed cocoa with a deep black color — think Oreo cookies!
Can I use regular cocoa powder for the icing?
Yes — it will still taste amazing, but the frosting will be lighter brown instead of black.
Categories:
Dessert | Chocolate | Cakes | Special Occasions
Tags:
#ChocolateCake #BlackCocoa #VelvetCake #DecadentDessert
If you’re ready to bake this beauty, don’t forget to save, share, and tag us on Instagram when you make it! 📸🍫
Print
Best Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing
Description
This cake is moist, rich, and unapologetically chocolatey — the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes after every bite. And that Black Velvet Icing? Oh honey, it’s the dark, glossy magic that takes this cake from ordinary to gothic luxury vibes.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Black Velvet Icing 🖤
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup black cocoa powder (this gives that deep black color without food dye)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Finish by pouring in the hot coffee and stirring until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Whip the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time.
Stir in the black cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Slowly pour in the heavy cream until the frosting is smooth, silky, and just the right consistency.
Spread a thick layer of icing between the cake layers, then frost the entire cake with that velvety black buttercream magic.
