Black Magic Cake Recipe

Introduction

Black Magic Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake that combines deep cocoa flavors with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a glossy chocolate topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake is both impressive and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup baking cocoa, unsweetened
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong coffee
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• For the chocolate cream cheese frosting:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz powdered sugar
• ¼ cup baking cocoa, unsweetened
• a pinch of salt
• For the chocolate frosting:
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp baking cocoa, unsweetened
• 1 tbsp warm water
• 1 tbsp coffee-flavored liqueur
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with non-stick cooking spray and line them with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and create a well in the center.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and smooth.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool for 10-15 minutes in the pans. Then, transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the chocolate cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa, and salt, beating on low speed until combined. Spread this frosting over the bottom cake layer.
8. Step 8: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted bottom layer and press gently to adhere.
9. Step 9: For the chocolate frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in cocoa, warm water, and coffee-flavored liqueur. Remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Add more warm water if needed to reach spreading consistency.
10. Step 10: Spread the chocolate frosting over the top of the cake. Allow it to set slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best chocolate depth. Decaf works fine if you prefer no caffeine.
• Room temperature eggs and cream cheese help create a smooth batter and frosting.
• For a boozy twist, brush the cake layers lightly with coffee-flavored liqueur before frosting.
• Substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, rested for 5 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without coffee?

Yes, you can substitute the coffee with hot water for a milder chocolate flavor, but coffee enhances the richness of the cocoa.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

The cake layers freeze well wrapped tightly. It’s best to freeze unfrosted layers and frost the cake after thawing for the freshest taste and texture.

Black Magic Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 82 reviews

Black Magic Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a luscious chocolate cream cheese frosting and topped with a glossy chocolate frosting. Using coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor, this cake combines deep cocoa richness with a smooth, creamy texture, making it a decadent dessert perfect for any celebration.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Cake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup baking cocoa, unsweetened
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong coffee
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz powdered sugar
• ¼ cup baking cocoa, unsweetened
• A pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp baking cocoa, unsweetened
• 1 tbsp warm water
• 1 tbsp coffee-flavored liqueur
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with non-stick cooking spray and line them with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the center of the mixture for the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, strong coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 1 to 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
6. Cool the Cake Layers: Remove cakes from the oven and cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Prepare Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, baking cocoa, and a pinch of salt, beating at low speed until fully incorporated and creamy.
8. Assemble Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the bottom cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
9. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in unsweetened cocoa, warm water, and coffee-flavored liqueur until smooth. Remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar until glossy and smooth. If frosting is too thick, add more warm water as needed.
10. Frost the Cake: Pour the chocolate frosting over the assembled cake, spreading evenly to cover the top and sides as desired. Allow frosting to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your indulgent Black Magic Cake!

Notes

• Strong brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but does not make the cake taste like coffee.
• Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa for the richest chocolate taste.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• If coffee-flavored liqueur is unavailable, substitute with strong brewed coffee or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Keywords: black magic cake, chocolate cake, chocolate cream cheese frosting, rich chocolate cake, coffee enhanced cake, layered chocolate cake