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Black Velvet Spiderweb Cake
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Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 8-inch cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Piping bag or gel tube

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon black food coloring
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Black decorating gel

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and black food coloring until smooth.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cake completely in the pan.
  • While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy.
  • Remove the cooled cake from the pan and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
  • Use the black decorating gel to pipe a spiderweb design on the frosted surface, starting with concentric circles and dragging lines outward with a toothpick.

Notes

For a cleaner web, pipe the gel while the frosting is still slightly soft so the lines settle without cracking. If you need to make the cake ahead, bake and frost it the day before, then add the web design right before serving so it stays sharp. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to two days.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Mixing bowls, 8-inch cake pan, Electric mixer, Piping bag or gel tube