Indulge in the Best Blackout Cake Recipe

If you’re a lover of rich, chocolatey desserts, the Blackout Cake is a must-try. This decadent dessert features layers of moist chocolate cake paired with a smooth, velvety chocolate pudding filling, all coated in a dark chocolate ganache. The combination of textures—from the soft cake to the luscious pudding and glossy ganache—creates an indulgent treat that will have chocolate lovers in awe. It’s the kind of cake that makes any occasion feel special, from birthdays to dinner parties or even a simple family gathering.

The best part? This cake is not as complicated as it may look. With a few key ingredients and a little patience, you can create this show-stopping dessert at home. Perfect for those who crave something truly decadent, this Blackout Cake is sure to impress and become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe guarantees a cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Decadent Flavor

With layers of moist chocolate cake, velvety chocolate pudding, and rich ganache, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Every bite is a burst of deep, dark chocolate flavor.

2. Stunning Presentation

The Blackout Cake looks as impressive as it tastes. The glossy ganache and layers of pudding make it a showstopper that’s perfect for any special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself.

3. Perfectly Moist Cake

This recipe produces a cake that’s incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of wet ingredients and the chocolate pudding filling. It’s a cake that won’t dry out and will stay fresh for days.

4. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or casual get-together, this cake is the perfect dessert to serve. It’s versatile enough to complement any celebration while remaining elegant and indulgent.

5. Make Ahead

The Blackout Cake can be made ahead of time, which means you can prepare it for events without the last-minute stress. It also allows the flavors to meld together for even more deliciousness.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Hot water
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Cornstarch
• Milk

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks between the layers of the cake or even inside the pudding filling.
• Add a Nutty Twist: To enhance the flavor, add crushed nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts between layers for a crunchy contrast.
• Boozy Blackout Cake: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Kahlúa or Baileys, to the cake batter or pudding filling for a boozy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Slowly add the hot water to the batter, stirring until smooth (the batter will be thin).

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Pudding

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the pudding. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar. Gradually add this mixture to the hot milk, stirring constantly until it thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Let the pudding cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Ganache

In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream. Heat the mixture in the microwave or over a double boiler until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before using.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, cut each cake in half horizontally to create four layers. Place the first layer on a cake stand or serving plate, then spread a layer of chocolate pudding over it. Top with the second cake layer and repeat, finishing with the top cake layer.

Step 9: Frost with Ganache

Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache evenly over the top and sides.

Step 10: Chill the Cake

Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the ganache and allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Make sure your cakes are completely cooled before assembling, or the ganache may melt and become too runny.
• Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and heavy cream in the pudding and ganache.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
• Chill the Cake Before Serving: Chilling the cake allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.

How to Serve

Serve slices of this indulgent Blackout Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. A cup of coffee or a rich glass of red wine pairs wonderfully with the chocolatey richness of the cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Blackout Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This cake actually gets better after a day or two, as the flavors continue to develop.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate for the ganache, depending on your preference for sweetness and richness.

2. Is it necessary to use buttermilk in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

3. Can I make the pudding ahead of time?

Yes, the pudding can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

4. Can I use boxed cake mix instead of homemade cake?

While homemade is best for flavor and texture, you can substitute with a boxed chocolate cake mix in a pinch. Just follow the package instructions.

5. How can I make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar in the cake batter or the ganache for a less sweet version, though it will affect the texture and overall flavor.

6. Can I substitute cornstarch with another thickener for the pudding?

You can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener, but cornstarch is the best for achieving the proper pudding consistency.

7. Can I freeze the entire cake?

Yes, you can freeze the entire assembled cake before adding the ganache. After thawing, frost with the ganache before serving.

8. Can I make the cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.

9. How do I prevent the ganache from hardening too much?

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it becomes too thick, gently reheat it until it reaches the desired consistency.

10. Can I add a layer of fruit to this cake?

Yes, you can add fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, between the layers for a fresh contrast to the richness of the chocolate.

Conclusion

The Blackout Cake is a showstopping dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, and rich ganache to create the ultimate chocolate experience. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re serving it at a party or treating yourself to something special, this cake is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and indulge in the best chocolate cake you’ll ever taste!

Print