Black Magic Chocolate Cake (Print)

Decadent cocoa cake that's ultra-moist, perfect for celebrations and chocolate fans alike.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
04 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
05 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
06 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
09 - 1 cup strong black coffee, hot
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ For Decorating (Optional)

12 - 1 batch chocolate frosting
13 - Halloween-themed sprinkles or edible decorations

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth and slightly pale.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until incorporated; avoid over-mixing.
05 - Gradually stream in the hot coffee while mixing slowly. Batter will be thin—this ensures maximum moisture.
06 - Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating pans halfway if needed. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should emerge clean.
08 - Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then gently turn out onto wire racks and allow to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Once fully cooled, frost generously with chocolate frosting and apply festive Halloween decorations as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich chocolate taste that is ultra-moist and tender
  • No fancy equipment required just bowls and a whisk or mixer
  • Uses easy to find pantry staples
  • Perfect canvas for creative decorations for Halloween or any occasion
  • Ready from start to finish in under an hour
02 -
  • This cake is so high in moisture it stays fresh for several days
  • Intense chocolate flavor thanks in part to coffee in the batter
  • Can be made ahead and frosted later or even frozen
  • The chocolate frosting adds extra richness and fun to decorate
03 -
  • Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for the fluffiest crumb
  • Do not skip lining your pans with parchment for easy unmolding
  • Whisk cocoa and sugar together before adding other dry ingredients for even dispersion
  • Let the baked cake layers cool fully before frosting so your decorations look perfect

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