Creating the Black Velvet Halloween Cake involves straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add your wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
5. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add black food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
9. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread frosting on top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
10. Decorate: Use Halloween-themed decorations like edible eyes, chocolate spiders, or ghost-shaped marshmallows to enhance the spooky look.

Now you have a stunning Black Velvet Halloween Cake ready to delight your guests!