Description
Black Magic Cake is a decadent, moist chocolate cake made with rich cocoa and infused with black coffee for a deep, intense flavor. This classic dessert features two layers of tender cake enveloped in a luscious dark chocolate ganache, delivering an indulgent treat perfect for any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake 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 diluted with water to make 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Ganache Ingredients
- 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 to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the milk (or buttermilk), room temperature eggs, black coffee (or espresso mixed with water), vanilla extract, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through to make sure the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan or microwave until it is steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips placed in a small bowl. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the chocolate, then whisk until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have completely cooled, level the tops with a knife if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread about ½ cup of the ganache evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top, then pour and spread the remaining ganache over the entire cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help the batter come together more smoothly.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a slightly richer texture and tang.
- Using brewed coffee or espresso intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Make sure not to boil the cream when preparing ganache to avoid separating the chocolate.
- The cake layers can be wrapped and refrigerated overnight to enhance flavors before assembly.
- For a firmer ganache, refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes after applying the ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
