Description
Black Magic Cake is a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey American dessert that uses black cocoa powder and coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor. This indulgent cake is perfect for chocolate lovers who appreciate a dense, dark chocolate experience. The optional chocolate frosting adds a creamy finish, making it ideal for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably dark or black cocoa)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water for a milder flavor)
Optional Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk (more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Coffee: Stir in the hot brewed coffee (or hot water if preferred). This will thin out the batter but also deepen the chocolate flavor significantly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring proper texture.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional): In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy, adding more milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cake layers are completely cool, frost them with the prepared chocolate frosting and decorate as desired to finish this decadent cake.
Notes
- The use of black cocoa powder gives this cake its signature almost black color and deeper chocolate flavor.
- The hot coffee enhances the chocolate taste but can be substituted with hot water for a milder effect.
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake is very moist due to the buttermilk and oil, making it perfect for make-ahead celebrations.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk in frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
