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–+ servings
Black Magic Cake
Black Magic Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake known for its deep cocoa flavor and incredibly tender crumb, made possible by the combination of black coffee and sour milk. This recipe rose in popularity in the mid-20th century when coffee was often used to enhance chocolate-based desserts. The use of Hershey’s cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla makes it a nostalgic, no-fail favorite for chocolate lovers. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or weeknight indulgence, this cake delivers bold flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 296 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup black coffee
  • 1 cup sour milk (or buttermilk)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • Add eggs, coffee, sour milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl.

Step 4: Beat Batter

  • Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

  • Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Frost or serve plain.

Tips

  • Add 1 cup mini chocolate chips for extra richness.
  • Use buttermilk instead of sour milk for a slightly tangier flavor.
  • Replace black coffee with espresso for a deeper chocolate taste.
  • Frost with cream cheese frosting, chocolate buttercream, or ganache.
  • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon for a Mexican-style chocolate twist.
  • Divide batter into two round pans for a layer cake (adjust bake time).
  • Add orange zest for a citrus-chocolate variation.
  • Make cupcakes by baking 18 to 24 minutes at 350°F.
  • For added moisture, replace half the oil with applesauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate cake, coffee cake, family recipe, homemade cake, moist cake, old-fashioned dessert, potluck cake, vintage recipe
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