Halloween is a time for chills, thrills, and deliciously eerie treats. Unveil the mystery of the season with these tantalizing black cake recipes that are perfect for adding a touch of darkness to your festivities.
Gothic Midnight Chocolate Cake
Black Velvet Cake from Sugar & Sparrow
Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 hr 17 min.
Black Velvet Cake from Cambrea Bakes
Rating: 5. Total Time: 5 hr 28 min.
Black Cocoa Cake from Buttermilk by Sam
Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 hr.
Imagine a cake so dark it mirrors the midnight sky. This Gothic Midnight Chocolate Cake is rich, velvety, and infused with the finest dark chocolate. The key ingredients are black cocoa powder, which gives it that deep, intense color, and espresso powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
What sets this apart is the luxurious texture that melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of bittersweet chocolate. Perfect for those who crave a sophisticated touch to their Halloween spread, this cake is both elegant and hauntingly beautiful. Each bite is a decadent experience sure to enchant your taste buds.
Witch’s Brew Black Velvet Cake
This cake is as magical as it sounds, with a texture as smooth as velvet. The Witch’s Brew Black Velvet Cake combines black food coloring with a hint of vanilla bean and almond extract, creating a flavor profile that’s both unique and unforgettable.
The moist, tender crumb of the cake is complemented by a creamy cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy contrast to the sweet, soft layers. It’s the perfect cake for a Halloween gathering, where the enchanting appearance and taste will surely captivate your guests and leave them spellbound.
Phantom Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pumpkin Roll Ghost Cake with Mascarpone Whipped Cream from Indecision & Cake
Total Time: 4 hr 12 min.
The Phantom Pumpkin Spice Cake is a seasonal twist on the classic black cake. With pumpkin puree and a blend of autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake offers a comforting warmth. The addition of black cocoa gives it a Halloween-ready look without overpowering the traditional spice cake flavors.
It’s a delightful surprise for anyone expecting a regular pumpkin cake. The spiced aroma wafting through your kitchen will invite everyone to gather around, curious to taste this spectral treat. Finished with a simple glaze or a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect balance of familiar and mysterious.
Dark Forest Chocolate Berry Cake

Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) from RecipeTin Eats
Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 h 40 min.

Berry Black Forest Cake from The Seaside Baker
If you’re a fan of the classic Black Forest Cake, this hauntingly dark version is a must-try. The Dark Forest Chocolate Berry Cake features layers of black chocolate cake interspersed with a vibrant, berry compote made from cherries, blackberries, and raspberries. The tartness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the rich, dark chocolate.
Each slice is a journey through a deliciously dark forest, with the berries adding a burst of color and flavor that surprises and delights. Topped with a luscious whipped cream or mascarpone frosting, this cake is a show-stopper that combines the eerie with the enchanting, perfect for a Halloween dessert table.
Enchanted Blackout Banana Cake
Banana cake lovers, prepare to be enchanted by this dark twist on a classic favorite. The Enchanted Blackout Banana Cake uses overripe bananas for sweetness and moisture, while black cocoa and a hint of cinnamon add depth and intrigue to every bite.
The magic lies in the unexpected combination of familiar banana flavor with the mysterious darkness of the cocoa. Topped with a silky chocolate ganache, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s a great way to use up those ripening bananas while adding a spooky touch to your Halloween celebration.
Mystic Marbled Black and Orange Cake
For a cake that captures the essence of Halloween with its striking visuals, the Mystic Marbled Black and Orange Cake is your go-to. This cake swirls together black chocolate and orange-scented vanilla batters, creating a mesmerizing marbled effect.
With each slice, you’ll reveal a different pattern, making every piece a unique work of art. The interplay of chocolate and orange flavors is both refreshing and indulgent, making it a hit at any Halloween party. Decorate it with a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar to let the marbled design shine.
Pro Tricks for Amazing Black Cake Halloween Recipes

Spooky Black Halloween Bundt Cake with Blood Red Ganache from The Seaside Baker
Master the Black Cocoa
Using black cocoa is essential for achieving that deep, dark color in your cakes. Remember, black cocoa is more intense than regular cocoa powder, so you might need to adjust the sugar levels to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
Get the Texture Right
For the perfect cake texture, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures they blend smoothly, resulting in a uniform crumb and making your cake irresistibly soft and moist.
Experiment with Frosting
While these cakes are stunning on their own, experimenting with different frosting styles and flavors can elevate them further. Consider using contrasting colors or flavors like orange, vanilla, or even a hint of spice to complement and enhance your cake’s theme.