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Black Magic Cake 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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