Description
A stunning dessert combining rich chocolate and cream cheese flavors into a soft, moist cake, perfect for impressing guests at any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp black food coloring (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for decoration)
- Fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries) (for decoration)
- Edible gold leaf (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, which is normal. If you like, add black food coloring and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well between additions. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes are cool, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread cream cheese frosting on top. Continue layering the cake and frosting until all layers are stacked.
- Smooth the frosting with a spatula or cake scraper for a clean look.
- For decoration, use chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, fresh berries, or edible gold leaf.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. Chill the cake after decorating to help the frosting set.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: velvet cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, dessert, special occasion