Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Pudding Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Slowly pour in hot coffee, stirring until smooth (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it against the surface to prevent skin from forming), and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
- Beat butter in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until creamy and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Cut each cake layer in half horizontally to create four layers.
- Crumble one layer into fine crumbs and set aside for decoration.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread chocolate pudding filling over it. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Frost the entire cake with chocolate frosting.
- Press the cake crumbs onto the sides and top of the cake for the classic blackout effect.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing to let the flavors set.
- Serve and enjoy your decadent Blackout Cake! 🍫🎂
Tips for the Best Blackout Cake
✔ Use buttermilk for extra moisture.
✔ Don’t overbake—a moist texture is key.
✔ Chill the cake before serving for the best texture.
Are you ready to bake this chocolate masterpiece? 😍🍰