Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Black Magic Cake is a chocolate lover’s ultimate indulgence. This cake combines rich cocoa, coffee, and vanilla to create an intense, yet perfectly balanced chocolate flavor. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the milk, eggs, and oil, while the dark chocolate ganache topping adds an irresistible smoothness. With every bite, you’ll experience the ultimate chocolate experience, perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, this cake is the answer.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup black coffee or 2 shots of espresso with water added to make 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Ganache:
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray the sides with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the milk, eggs, black coffee, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients in the mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through mixing to ensure everything is well combined.
4. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out with just a few crumbs. Once done, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Ganache
While the cake cools, prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave-safe container until steaming, but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips in a small bowl. Cover with a plate to trap the heat and let the chocolate soften for 2-3 minutes. Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy.
6. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops of each layer with a serrated knife. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, and spread about ½ cup of the ganache evenly over the top to form the filling. Stack the second layer of cake on top, top-down, to ensure an even surface.
7. Coat the Cake with Ganache
Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the stacked cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache around the top and sides of the cake. For an ultra-smooth finish, let the ganache cool for 15 minutes before using the spatula to smooth it out.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Variations to Try
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Buttercream Frosting: If you prefer buttercream, use it instead of ganache for a different texture and flavor.
- Mini Cakes: You can bake this recipe in smaller pans to create individual-sized cakes or cupcakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, store it in the fridge.
- Reheating: To serve, let the cake come to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of coffee?
Yes, if you prefer not to use coffee, you can substitute the coffee with hot water. However, the coffee helps intensify the chocolate flavor.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use different-sized pans, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. For example, cupcakes will take less time to bake—about 18-20 minutes.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cocoa powder is gluten-free.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let the cake thaw before frosting.
How can I make the ganache smoother?
If you find the ganache too thick, simply add a bit more hot cream and whisk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but the ganache will be sweeter and less intense than with dark chocolate.
What should I do if the ganache hardens too quickly?
If the ganache hardens too quickly, gently reheat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it becomes smooth and pourable again.
Can I add frosting on top of the ganache?
Yes, if you prefer frosting, you can pipe or spread a layer of buttercream over the ganache for added decoration and flavor.
How can I decorate the cake?
You can decorate the top with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries for a pop of color.
Conclusion
This Black Magic Cake is the perfect indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts. With its moist, rich layers and luscious ganache, it delivers the ultimate chocolate experience. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a weeknight treat, this cake is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to make a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Black Magic Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Black Magic Cake is a rich, moist two-layer chocolate cake topped with a velvety dark chocolate ganache. This decadent dessert delivers an intense chocolate flavor that’s perfect for celebrations or any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk or buttermilk
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup black coffee or 2 shots of espresso with water added to make 1 cup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
12 ounces dark chocolate chips
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray the sides with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, eggs, black coffee, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through to ensure everything is well combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour over the dark chocolate chips in a small bowl, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, level the tops of each cake layer. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread ½ cup of ganache on top. Stack the second layer on top, then pour the remaining ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Smooth with a spatula.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, add cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter.
For a different texture, you can replace the ganache with buttercream frosting.
Adjust the baking time if using different pan sizes, such as cupcakes or smaller pans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
