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Black Magic Cake Recipe

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking

Description

This Black Magic Cake is the ultimate moist, fudgy, and decadent chocolate cake, made with coffee to enhance the deep cocoa flavor. It’s a foolproof recipe perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave a rich chocolate dessert!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Cake:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the Wet Ingredients:
  • Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  • Add Hot Coffee:
  • Stir in hot coffee (the batter will be thin—this is normal!).
  • Bake the Cake:
  • Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Make the Frosting:
  • In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until combined.
  • Beat in vanilla extract and heavy cream until fluffy.
  • Assemble & Frost:
  • Once cakes are fully cooled, spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides.
  • Slice & Enjoy!

Notes

  • No buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • For extra decadence, add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle with ganache!
  • Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~400
  • Sugar: ~45g
  • Sodium: ~300mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~58g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Cholesterol: ~50mg