If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert, this ultimate black magic cake recipe with chocolate buttercream is exactly what you need. Known for its moist, tender crumb and deep, dark chocolate flavor, this cake lives up to its magical name. Pair it with silky smooth chocolate buttercream, and you have a dessert that everyone will fall in love with.
The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a professional-quality cake right in your kitchen. This guide will walk you through everything — from the ingredients and instructions to expert tips and answers to your most common questions about baking this stunning cake.
Ingredients You Need
For the Black Magic Cake
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (440g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (more if needed)
Tools You’ll Need
✅ 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
✅ Mixing bowls
✅ Electric mixer or whisk
✅ Parchment paper
✅ Cooling rack
✅ Offset spatula (for frosting)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Make the Black Magic Cake
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Add Coffee
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed.
- The batter will be thin, which is normal.
Bake the Cake
Step 5: Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the Chocolate Buttercream
Step 7: Cream the Butter
- In a bowl, beat butter on medium speed until creamy and pale.
Step 8: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add to the butter, mixing on low.
Step 9: Add Vanilla & Cream
- Mix in vanilla extract and enough cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
- Place one cake layer on a plate or stand.
- Spread a generous amount of buttercream on top.
- Place the second layer on top and cover the whole cake with remaining buttercream.
- Use an offset spatula to smooth the sides and create decorative swirls.
Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Coffee
Fresh hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Don’t Overmix
Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room-temperature eggs and buttermilk helps the batter mix evenly.
Chill the Layers
If your cakes dome too much, trim the tops and chill the layers before frosting for easier handling.
Why Is It Called Black Magic Cake?
This cake earned its name because it’s incredibly dark, rich, and moist — almost as if by magic. The hot coffee deepens the cocoa’s color and flavor, creating a stunningly decadent dessert that’s hard to resist.
Variations You Can Try
Different Frostings
Try cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a chocolate ganache instead of buttercream.
Add Fillings
Spread raspberry jam, caramel, or chocolate ganache between the layers for an extra treat.
Cupcakes
Use the same batter to make about 24 cupcakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Special Occasions
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations.
Everyday Treat
Enjoy a slice with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just on its own.
With Toppings
Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries on top for extra flair.
Storage Tips
- Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving).
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking — check the cake a few minutes early to avoid drying it out.
Skipping the coffee — it really enhances the chocolate flavor!
Frosting too soon — always let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
FAQs
Why is my cake so moist and soft?
This is normal! The coffee and buttermilk create a very moist crumb, which is part of what makes black magic cake so amazing.
Can I use water instead of coffee?
Yes, but coffee deepens the chocolate flavor. Hot water works fine if you prefer.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds richness and moisture. You can substitute with milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar if needed.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the layers a day ahead, wrap well, and frost when ready to serve.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.
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Top 8 Ultimate Keto-Friendly Breakfast Recipes
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Honey BBQ Chicken Rice
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Quick & Easy Homemade Chicken Butter
Final Thoughts
The ultimate black magic cake recipe with chocolate buttercream is more than just a dessert — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes incredible. The rich cocoa flavor, velvety texture, and creamy frosting come together to create a cake worthy of any occasion. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
So gather your ingredients, brew a little coffee, and experience the magic of baking this unforgettable cake at home. Enjoy every bite!
If you’d like, I can also help you create a printable recipe card, a shopping checklist, or even alternative flavor ideas. Just let me know! 🌟
Ultimate Black Magic Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into pans; bake for 30–35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy; add powdered sugar and cocoa gradually.
- Mix in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy and smooth.
- Frost cooled cakes and assemble; spread remaining buttercream over top and sides.
Notes
- Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor—you won’t taste it!
- Cake layers can be made a day ahead and wrapped in plastic
- Add chocolate shavings or sprinkles for extra flair.
