This Black Magic Chocolate Cake is three layers of moist chocolate cake wrapped in The Best Chocolate Buttercream makes this one decadent dessert!
This Black Magic Chocolate Cake is so good, it’s almost sinful.
Filled with dark, rich, chocolate flavor, the moist, soft, cake is slathered up in my Best Chocolate Buttercream recipe.
Basically, it’s the perfect chocolate cake for any occasion.
The cake itself is actually slightly adapted from a famous Hershey’s Black Magic Chocolate Cake recipe.
It’s one that many families have made from the back of cocoa packages since the 70s.
The original well-known recipe has been around forever, and with good reason.
It’s super decadent plus there’s an unexpected ingredient that boosts the deliciousness up a notch … brewed black coffee!
That’s right, in addition to chocolate, Black Magic Cake is made with coffee, giving it an ultra-rich flavor!
This cake is topped with my chocolate frosting recipe, which is made with chocolate liqueur.
The buttercream is also sandwiched between the three layers of chocolate-coffee cake, and the finishing touch is a few sprinkles.
It goes without saying, but this cake is pretty much awesome in every sense!
Between its mouthwatering flavors and stacked layers, Black Magic Cake is definitely one of those desserts that “wow.”
It’s perfect to share for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or even small get-togethers with friends and family.
Paired with milk or coffee, a slice of this stuff is the perfect way to end a delicious meal.
And if there are leftovers, well, you may have a hard time not eating them for breakfast.
(But don’t let me stop you … ;))
If you make Chocolate Magic Cake once, you’ll get requests to bring it to every gathering.
In line with the recipe’s tradition, it may even become your family’s new favorite for the next few generations!
This cake is a classic and one that everyone will want to be served at every occasion.
If you’re looking for an indulgent treat to share, bake a Chocolate Magic Cake and you won’t regret it!
More Chocolate Recipes
- Chocolate Ganache
- Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- French Silk Pie
Black Magic Chocolate Cake
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Black Magic Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup brewed black coffee hot
- ¾ cup cocoa powder 75g
- 2 tablespoons malted milk powder 21g, or powdered milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
- 1¾ cup cake flour 228g
- 1½ tablespoons King Arthur Cake Enhancer optional
- 1¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk 245ml, room temperature
- ½ cup canola oil 105ml, or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease three 6×2-inch round or two 9×2-inch round cake pans with cake goop or cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Whisk together 1 cup brewed black coffee, ¾ cup cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons malted milk powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1¾ cup cake flour, 1½ tablespoons King Arthur Cake Enhancer, 1¾ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
- Beat in 3 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup canola oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated, then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes, the batter is going to be very thin.
- Pour 2 cups of batter into each 6-inch pan (480g of batter per pan) or divide evenly between the two 9-inch pans (about 720g of batter per pan).
- Bake 6-inch cakes for 30 to 35 minutes and 9-inch cakes for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick or cake tester comes clean from the center.
- Cool in pans for at least 10 minutes and loosen from sides of pan before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting according to the recipe directions. Frost the cooled cake, starting with a crumb coat and chilling for 30 minutes before adding the final coating.
- Add chocolate sprinkles for the final touch.
Notes
- Hot water and instant coffee can be used in place of coffee. Hot water can also be used by itself but the cake will not be as rich in flavor.
- Adapted from Hershey’s.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Dianna Hummel says
How do I adapt recipe for 9 inch pans? And to serve around 16 people?
Rebecca Hubbell says
Hi Dianna, You could just split the batter between 2 9-inch pans and bake until a toothpick comes clean from the center, about 30 to 40 minutes.
As for the 16 people, 9-inch layer cakes traditionally serve around 12 people, but you could make smaller slices.
Hannah says
I made this cake a while back for a graduation and it was so delicious. I am currently tasked with making a birthday cake for someone who is dairy-free. Do you think I could substitute buttermilk for almond milk?
Rebecca says
Hi Hannah, here’s a list of substitutes you can use, the almond milk one is near the bottom and will need to use yogurt and vinegar as well: http://joythebaker.com/2013/11/baking-101-the-best-buttermilk-substitutes/
Adelina Priddis says
This looks so decadent! I haven’t read the books yet (shame!), but I did enjoy the first movie. Thanks for sharing on Weekend Bites, you’ve been featured!
Gail Akeman says
Thank you for joining the Small victories Sunday linkup party. Please join again. Pinned to the group board.
Michele @ Alwayzbakin says
THAT cake! That looks amazing! I really loved Divergent. I’m on the third book right now. š
Rebecca says
Thank you, Michele! I hope you enjoy the rest of the series!
Karren Haller says
Your cake looks like one that would be in a magazine!!! I want a piece please.
Thanks for sharing on Friday Features this week, stop by for Wordless Wednesday as well.
Have a great weekend!
Karren
Kim @The Baking ChocolaTess says
Your cake looks beyond divine, not to mention I love chocolate and Divergent! Thanks for sharing, pinning and visiting from Pretty Pintastic Party. š
Carlee says
Oh my! I need this right now! I would probably need to make two batches of frosting, one to eat while the cake is baking and cooling and one for the cake!
Steph says
Wow…this looks fabulous! After seeing the pictures, I’m not sure that I have enough patience to wait while it bakes and cools, though!
Linda Blatchford says
That cake looks amazing. I’ve seen 1 Divergent movie; it was a little strange at first and then I got into it.
Emily says
I am drooling! I may be daunted by the size of the cake thought! That’s a tall cake! Yum!
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake says
That sounds fun–to make a treat based on a book! I ought to try that sometime. This cake looks incredible, definitely “black magic” good š
Jenny B @ Honey and Birch says
LOVE this! I also enjoyed the Divergent series and I love chocolate cake… so this is pretty much right up my alley!!
Del's cooking twist says
My dream comes true. This chocolate cake looks truly amazing!! Congrats on the good job!
Potty Mom says
Well, going through your post I’m not thinking about the book. All I could think of is…the Cake. Thanks!
Rebecca says
Haha… I’m totally with you there!