A Sophisticated Dessert for Memorable Evenings
Looking to impress your guests with something stunning and unforgettable? The Black Tie Affair Cake is your go-to. This elegant layered dessert features rich chocolate sponge, silky ganache, and a sleek black buttercream finish. It’s the centerpiece your dinner party deserves — both bold in flavor and breathtaking in style.
Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, an anniversary celebration, or a high-end gathering, this cake screams luxury. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull it off either — we’ll walk you through every step.
Ingredients 🧁
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Black Buttercream Frosting 🎨
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Black gel food coloring
How to Make the Black Tie Affair Cake: Step-by-Step 🍫
The Black Tie Affair Cake is a showstopper for any elegant dinner party. Starting with a moist, rich chocolate cake base, this recipe uses boiling water to intensify the cocoa flavor — a key trick to making this cake irresistible. The black buttercream frosting adds a dramatic, stylish finish that truly sets this dessert apart.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the base of your rich chocolate cake.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry mix, stirring until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring gently — this step helps to bloom the cocoa, making the cake extra moist and flavorful. Don’t be surprised if your batter looks thin!
Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
Create the Luxurious Black Buttercream
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder alternately with heavy cream, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once everything is incorporated, increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract, then carefully add black gel food coloring a little at a time until you achieve a deep, dramatic black shade — perfect for an elegant finish.
Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of black buttercream on top. Stack the second layer and apply a crumb coat — a thin layer of frosting to seal crumbs in. Chill the cake for 20 minutes, then apply the final coat, smoothing the sides and top for a sleek look. For a festive touch, decorate with edible gold leaf, fresh berries, or silver dragees to match the sophisticated theme of your dinner party.
Why This Cake? 🎉
The Black Tie Affair Cake is more than just dessert; it’s an experience. Its rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy, decadent frosting, creating a sophisticated treat that will impress guests at any dinner party or special occasion. The striking black color of the frosting makes it an eye-catching centerpiece on your dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to add a touch of elegance to your meal, this cake delivers on flavor and style.
Baking Tips for Success 🥄
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure a tender crumb.
- Use quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste.
- Don’t overmix your batter; stir until just combined to keep the cake moist.
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning your frosting.
Related Recipes to Try 🍰
For more delicious inspiration, check out these favorites from my site:
- Flourless Almond Orange Cake — a zesty, elegant flourless option perfect for gluten-free guests.
- Banana Oat Cookies (Gluten-Free) — a wholesome, chewy snack kids and adults will love.
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake — packed with fruity flavor and delightful texture.
Follow Me on Pinterest for More Cake Ideas 📌
Discover more amazing recipes and beautiful food inspiration on my Pinterest page, Follow MimiYummy on Pinterest to discover more refreshing recipes