Black Velvet Cake Naturally is a rich, moist dessert that uses black cocoa and Dutch-process cocoa powder to achieve its deep color without artificial dyes. This cake is perfect for special occasions, offering a unique twist on traditional chocolate cakes. Its luxurious texture and flavor will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Black Velvet Cake Naturally
This cake is not just visually appealing; it’s a feast for the senses! Here are a few reasons to love it:
- It’s made with natural ingredients, ensuring a healthier dessert option.
- Each slice is incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of buttermilk and hot coffee, making it a moist black velvet recipe.
- The deep, rich flavor comes from black cocoa, elevating it above standard chocolate cakes.
- It’s versatile—perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion.
- This cake is easy to decorate, making it a stunning centerpiece.
- There are gluten-free and vegan options available, accommodating various dietary needs.
- It can be made without artificial colors, aligning with healthier eating preferences.
Ingredients for Black Velvet Cake Naturally
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup black cocoa powder
- ¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot brewed coffee
How to Make Black Velvet Cake Naturally Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa, Dutch-process cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost and serve as desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Black Velvet Cake Naturally
Keep these in mind:
- Be sure to use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of espresso to the batter.
- Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise.
- Using high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the taste of your cake.
Best Ways to Serve Black Velvet Cake Naturally
Here are some serving ideas:
- Top it with a classic cream cheese frosting for a delightful pairing.
- Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
- For a luxurious touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache.
How to Store and Reheat Black Velvet Cake Naturally
To store your cake, keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Velvet Cake Naturally
What’s the secret to perfect Black Velvet Cake Naturally?
The secret lies in using high-quality black cocoa and ensuring that your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and a moist cake. For a rich black velvet dessert, don’t skip the hot coffee—it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!
Can I make Black Velvet Cake Naturally ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly and frost it right before serving. This cake is perfect for prepping ahead of special occasions.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Velvet Cake Naturally?
To avoid common pitfalls, measure your ingredients accurately, and don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the light and moist cake we aim for in a moist black velvet recipe.
Variations of Black Velvet Cake Naturally You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- For a vegan black velvet cake naturally, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.
- Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out Raspberry Amaretti Almond Cookies or Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. If you’re looking for a unique dessert, try our Red Velvet Brownie Pie.
For more information on the benefits of using high-quality cocoa in baking, you can visit Cooks Illustrated.
Print
Black Velvet Cake Naturally: 7 Reasons to Savor This Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, moist black velvet cake made naturally dark using black cocoa and Dutch-process cocoa powder, with no artificial dyes. Perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup black cocoa powder
- ¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot brewed coffee
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa, Dutch-process cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost and serve as desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
