Description
A strikingly dark and moist layered cake with a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups cake flour
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup black cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- black food coloring
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- black gel food color
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans.
- In a stand mixer, whisk together cake flour, sugar, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sour cream, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and black food coloring.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, level the tops of the cakes if needed.
- For the frosting: Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated.
- Mix in black cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and black gel food coloring. Whip until smooth. Add heavy cream if needed for consistency.
- To assemble: Place one cake layer on a stand with a dollop of frosting to secure.
- Spread about 1 cup of frosting over the layer.
- Add the next cake layer, spread another cup of frosting. Repeat with the final layer.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the sides and top, then refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Apply a final thick, even layer of frosting.
Notes
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Cake layers can be baked ahead, cooled, wrapped, and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American