This past weekend, I celebrated my 27th birthday. So naturally, I had to make a chocolate cake to celebrate.
And before you go thinking “omg she made her own birthday cake that’s so sad,” no, my mom made me the best carrot cake in the world. So this girl actually got two cakes.
I’ve been a fan of chocolate cake ever since…well to be honest it was probably since I watched Matilda and saw that sinfully rich chocolate cake Mrs. Trunchbull made Bruce eat (yes, it was a horrific scene, but can anyone deny that that cake will go down in history as one of the most salivating chocolate cakes ever?).
Even though growing up I preferred cookies and brownies to cake (I know, I should’ve been checked out by a doctor, what was wrong with me?!), homemade chocolate cake was always the one exception. I just loved chocolate cake. So every year for my birthday, I ask for a chocolate cake.
Now. This chocolate cake is special for a few reasons.
It’s a Blackout Cake. Meaning it is made with dark cocoa for that super rich look.
It’s sky high, but only has 2 layers, making it easy to assemble.
It’s made with brewed coffee for added richness and depth of flavor.
It’s moist as heck.
The homemade chocolate frosting has cream cheese in it (seriously, you’ll never want to make another frosting again once you have it so hear me out), which imparts just a subtle tanginess and adds to the creamy factor.
Basically, it’s a Blackout Chocolate Cake fit for a queen. Which, on one’s birthday, one should be.
But even if it’s not your birthday, I know you can find some excuse to make this joy of a cake soon. Because you ARE a queen and you deserve it 🙂
Tips for making this blackout cake
This chocolate cake is super easy to make, but you have to use the ingredients I specify (i.e. don’t use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder, etc). To make a true blackout cake, you need that blend of ultra rich cocoa powder and coffee. Omit either of these ingredients, and you’ll be left with a regular chocolate cake! (Totally fine on a normal day, but for your birthday you need the real deal). If you’re not a coffee drinker, don’t fret. This blackout cake doesn’t taste much like coffee, but it does make this cake super flavorful.
Real buttermilk is another key ingredient in this cake recipe, as it makes the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tang to the batter. If you’re in a pinch, a buttermilk substitute will work, but the real stuff is preferred!
How to make chocolate frosting
Don’t be scared of homemade frosting! To make a truly epic chocolate cream cheese frosting, you need to make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. Set everything out on the counter while your cake is in the oven, and by the time you’re ready to make the frosting the butter and cream cheese should be the perfect temperature! Also make sure your coffee is room temp, as it’d otherwise make an absolute mess of your chocolate frosting.
You’ll know the cream cheese frosting is ready when it starts to fluff up in the mixing bowl. And, you know, when you taste it and think it’s amazing…
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, and buttermilk.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking until no lumps remain. Pour in brewed coffee, mixing until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for roughly 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
To make the frosting, place butter and cream cheese in a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (an electric hand mixer also works). Cream on high speed for 1 minute, then turn speed to low and add in cocoa powder. Mix until combined, then add in powdered sugar, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and salt. Cream on high speed for 1 minute, until mixture has lightened slightly and is fluffy.
Frost cake by placing first cake layer onto a cake stand. Top with a healthy dose of frosting. Spread evenly, then repeat with second layer. Use remaining frosting to frost sides of the cake. Last, use the back of a spoon to create a large swirling pattern all around the cake!
Does the coffee need to be hot when added to the frosting mix? The frosting I made wasn’t as dark and shines as yours. It had a little bit of a white tint as if the sugar didn’t fully absorb into the frosting.
I’m going to make your s’mores cake for my boyfriends birthday. It calls for this cake. But I wonder about how strong the coffee would be in it. Would it hinder the s’mores taste of the cake?
Hi, I really want to make this over the weekend , baking on Saturday and frosting it on Sunday for my dads 80th, if I scale it 2x what size pan shud I use for a round cake and also option for square/rectangular pan.
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Does the coffee need to be hot when added to the frosting mix? The frosting I made wasn’t as dark and shines as yours. It had a little bit of a white tint as if the sugar didn’t fully absorb into the frosting.
Hi Vee! It actually shouldnt be too hot as that would cause the butter to melt! We get ours super glossy by beating it well. Hope this helps 🙂
Amazing cake!! And so simple
★★★★★
I’m going to make your s’mores cake for my boyfriends birthday. It calls for this cake. But I wonder about how strong the coffee would be in it. Would it hinder the s’mores taste of the cake?
The coffee flavor will just make the cake taste more chocolatey! It won’t taste like coffee at all 🙂
Hi, I really want to make this over the weekend , baking on Saturday and frosting it on Sunday for my dads 80th, if I scale it 2x what size pan shud I use for a round cake and also option for square/rectangular pan.
If you double the recipe you could make 3 10 inch rounds or 2 9 x13 pans!
I’d like to make this cake today, as it sound and looks amazing! Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?
Hi Lorie! you absolutely can! Your cake might be slightly coconut-y but still delicious!