how to make rose water with dried rose petals

SPOOKY BLACK VELVET HALLOWEEN CAKE

Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a decadent, two-layer chocolate cake with a soft, velvety crumb. It’s filled with a luscious blackberry compote and smothered in rich black cocoa buttercream. Topped with fresh blackberries and chocolate skulls, this indulgent dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and sinister, making it a showstopping treat for Halloween.

WHAT IS BLACK VELVET CAKE?

Black Velvet Cake is a rich, moist dessert that’s similar to the classic red velvet cake, but with a striking dark color. The deep hue comes from using black cocoa powder, which also imparts a unique, slightly smoky flavor. The cake is tender and a bit tangy, thanks to the buttermilk, while its chocolatey richness makes it a standout choice for special occasions like weddings, Halloween, or any event where you want to wow your guests.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Incredibly Moist: This cake is irresistibly soft and tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite.
  • Bold Chocolate Flavor: Unlike traditional chocolate cakes, the black cocoa powder gives this cake a distinct flavor reminiscent of Oreo cookies, adding an extra layer of richness.
  • Perfect for Halloween: With its dark tones and spooky chocolate skulls, this cake is ideal for your Halloween celebrations or any event that calls for a dramatic dessert.
  • Easy to Make: Despite its striking appearance, this recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills—just the addition of black cocoa powder for that signature color and flavor.

INGREDIENTS

For the Black Velvet Cake

  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • ¾ cup black cocoa powder (sifted)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Blackberry Compote Filling

  • 2 cups fresh blackberries
  • 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Black Cocoa Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 cup black cocoa powder (sifted)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

  • Chocolate skulls
  • Fresh blackberries
  • Dried rose petals

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Black Velvet Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and line the bottoms and sides with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until fully combined. Gradually mix in the hot coffee until smooth.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Blackberry Compote Filling

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the berries. Continue cooking until the compote thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the compote to a small bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to cool.

For the Black Cocoa Frosting

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Sift the powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually add them to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Beat with a hand mixer until fully combined and smooth.
  • Add the vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Assembly

  • Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim any domed tops for a flat, even surface.
  • Place a small amount of frosting on the center of your cake plate to help the cake stay in place.
  • Place the first cake layer on the plate. Pipe a ring of frosting around the outer edge to create a “dam” to keep the blackberry compote filling from spilling out. Spread an even layer of the chilled blackberry compote inside the dam.
  • Place the second layer of cake on top, with the bottom side facing up to create a flat surface for frosting.
  • Apply a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake to crumb-coat it. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
  • After the crumb coat has set, apply the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out for a clean finish.
  • Decorate with chocolate skulls, fresh blackberries, and crushed dried rose petals for a spooky, elegant touch.

Enjoy your indulgent and dramatic Black Velvet Halloween Cake!

HOMEMADE HERBAL BATH MELTS

These herbal bath melts are perfect for moisturizing your skin, resetting your energy, calming your mind, and opening your heart. There’s no better way to unwind and release the day’s stress than through a self-care ritual, setting a personal bath intention. With these melts, you’ll create a soothing experience that nourishes both body and soul.

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know how much I advocate for self-care. One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is by enjoying a nourishing bath that refreshes both your skin and your spirit.

Over the years, I’ve shared various bathtime essentials, including bath salts, soaks, and bath bombs. These herbal bath melts offer a unique experience—they’re portable like bath bombs yet deliver the deep hydration of a bath soak, making them a perfect addition to your relaxation routine.

WHAT IS AN HERBAL BATH MELT?

Imagine the silky, indulgent experience of a bath soak combined with the convenience of a bath bomb. These herbal bath melts gently dissolve without fizzing, releasing essential herbs and oils for a deeply hydrating bath.

Infused with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and skin-soothing herbs, these melts create a balanced, nourishing bath ritual that your skin will adore. As you soak, a sense of calm, renewal, and heart-opening warmth will envelop you, leaving your skin soft and replenished.

ARE BATH MELTS HARD TO MAKE?

Nope! Making herbal bath melts is actually quite simple and allows for a lot of flexibility with ingredients. All it takes is mixing your chosen ingredients, pouring them into a silicone mold, and letting them set.

The recipe I used combines clays, essential oils, organic flowers, and coconut oil. Unlike bath bombs, these herbal melts are less labor-intensive and offer more creative freedom. I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after using them!

The best part of this herbal bath melt recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit your specific herbal needs, spiritual intentions, or simply what you have on hand.

FAVORITE DIY HERBAL BATH MELT INGREDIENTS

Creating your own bath melts lets you design a bath experience perfectly suited to your needs. I often begin with Epsom salts, which offer muscle-relaxing properties and skin nourishment, much like a bath bomb.

I also love adding my favorite organic flowers like calendula and chamomile, which bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bath. Be sure they’re 100% organic since you’ll be soaking in them!

When choosing ingredients for your herbal bath melts, think about the self-care ritual you want to create—one that encourages focus and letting go. Each ingredient has nourishing properties for the skin, but consider those that uplift your soul as well.

HEART-OPENING HERBAL SOAK

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to thaw your body, mind, and heart on a chilly evening. Let the cocoa butter in these herbal bath melts melt into your skin, providing deep moisture and warmth.

Rose is a beautiful, heart-opening addition to this ritual, perfect for the colder months when many of us feel more introspective. Chamomile brings a gentle, calming quality with its light floral aroma, helping you drift off to a peaceful place, while calendula offers soothing support as you release and heal from the past.

For a touch of winter magic, bright orange peel brings fresh energy to your connections, love, and dreams. And the earthy scent of cedar offers a grounding presence, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom, grounding you as you explore and embrace your truest self.

Other ingredients added:

  • rose clay
  • french green clay
  • rhassoul clay
  • cocoa butter wafers
  • shea butter
  • essential oils
  • cedar leaf
  • calendula flowers
  • chamomile
  • dried orange peel
  • rose petals

These ingredients not only hold everything together but also provide essential nutrients to nourish your skin.

Feel free to get creative, experimenting with or mixing your favorite ingredients. Whatever herbs you choose, simply stick to the recommended ratios, and you’ll create a magical DIY bath melt every time!

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL BATH MELTS

First, weigh out the coconut oil, cocoa butter wafers, and shea butter using a digital kitchen scale.

Next, melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (by placing a Pyrex measuring cup or bowl over a pan with an inch or two of simmering water) until the oils reach a fully melted state.

If you’re using any optional clay ingredients, divide the melted oils into separate bowls. Stir in each clay while mixing to ensure they melt smoothly. Keep in mind that different clay types will affect the color of the melts and provide additional skin benefits.

Next, pour the melted oil mixtures into silicone molds. Then, in each mold, add Epsom salts and your chosen herbal ingredients. Feel free to use flower petals, cedar leaves, dried orange peel, or any other herbs in combinations that best suit your needs.

Allow the bath melts to dry and harden in the silicone molds overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

Once they are completely set, gently pop the herbal bath melts out of the molds. Then, enjoy your soothing ritual of self-love, self-realization, and self-companionship!

HOW TO STORE AND USE HERBAL BATH MELTS

While you await their use, keep these lovely bath melts at room temperature, storing them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.

If you live in or visit a very hot climate, it’s best to store the herbal bath melts in the refrigerator. After all, no one wants a pre-melted bath melt!

Use the herbal bath melts as needed to moisturize your skin and relax your mind. Embrace the herbal benefits as you reconnect with your inner self. Just as the melts cater to your individual needs, create a ritual that feels right for you in the moment.

There’s nothing selfish about self-care. You’ll discover that as the bath melt dissolves, you’ll also melt away the day’s stressors.

Simply place a bath melt into a tub of hot water and allow it to melt, releasing the soothing herbs as you soak. Enjoy the experience!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I avoid the bath melts making a mess in the bathtub?

If you’re concerned about a mess after using the bath melt, I have a few tips for you. First, grind the flower petals using a coffee grinder, a circle silicone mold, a double boiler insert, a blender, or a food processor to minimize residue. Second, you can use a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to strain out any leftover materials, making cleanup easier.

Regarding plumbing worries, I found that while using the bath melts, I focused on applying the oils to my skin, similar to a lotion bar. By the end of your bath, you’ll likely notice any remaining oils floating on top of the water. You can scoop these up with a cup to prevent them from going down the drain. If this method doesn’t work for you, consider leaving out the Epsom salt from the recipe and using the bath melt right after getting out of the bath!

Will the bath melts stay solid at room temperature?

Absolutely! We created and tested the bath melts recipe to ensure they stay solid at room temperature. However, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. Avoid sunny windows and be cautious when transporting the melts on hot days to keep them in perfect condition.

What tools will I need to make the bath melts?

I recommend using a silicone mold to shape the bath melts; I used a circular silicone mold for mine. For melting, I often set up a standard double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a pot filled with warm water. Alternatively, I love using a double boiler insert for easy heating and pouring. A kitchen scale is also helpful for measuring the ingredients accurately!

conclusion

In conclusion, creating your own herbal bath melts is a delightful and customizable way to enhance your self-care routine. By choosing ingredients that resonate with your needs and preferences, you can craft a soothing and nourishing bath experience that promotes relaxation, skin hydration, and inner peace. With simple steps and flexible options, you can enjoy the calming benefits of these bath melts while reconnecting with yourself. So gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and indulge in the magic of a personalized herbal bath ritual that rejuvenates both your body and mind! Enjoy every moment of your self-care journey!