Indulge your sweet tooth and treat yourself to a rich, velvety, and irresistibly delicious black cake. Black cakes are a staple in many cuisines around the world, from traditional Caribbean recipes to modern twists with dark chocolate and bold spices. Whether you’re a fan of boozy flavors or classic combinations, we’ve got 18 decadent black cake recipes that will satisfy your cravings.
From moist and flavorful velvet cakes to dense and fudgy blackout chocolates, each recipe on this list is a masterclass in indulgence. So go ahead, get cozy, and let the aroma of freshly baked black cake fill your home. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you.
Traditional Caribbean Black Cake with Rum Soaked Fruits
A classic Caribbean dessert, this rich and moist black cake is infused with the deep flavors of rum-soaked fruits, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup black treacle (molasses)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dark rum-soaked fruits (see instructions below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine treacle, brown sugar, and butter. Beat until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add flour, beating until just combined.
5. Fold in rum-soaked fruits.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top.
7. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Rum-Soaked Fruits:
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (cherries, cranberries, raisins)
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– Soak fruits in rum for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Dark Chocolate Black Forest Cake with Cherries
This classic German dessert combines the richness of dark chocolate with the tartness of cherries, creating a heavenly cake that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops. Drizzle melted chocolate over batter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.
7. Assemble cake by spreading cherry preserves on top of one layer, then topping with the second layer. Top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh cherries.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
Spiced Jamaican Black Cake with Brandy Glaze
A rich and decadent dessert that combines the bold flavors of Jamaica with a hint of sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy or dark rum
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour in brandy or rum and mix until smooth.
7. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing with Brandy Glaze (recipe below).
Brandy Glaze:
– 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons brandy or dark rum
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Combine powdered sugar, brandy, and butter in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Moist Black Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist and flavorful, this black velvet cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The addition of cream cheese frosting takes it to a whole new level of indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (mix softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth).
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Eggless Black Cake with Dates and Walnuts
This rich and decadent cake is perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift. The absence of eggs adds a unique twist to the traditional black cake, while the dates and walnuts provide natural sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup dates, chopped
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, dates, walnuts, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Guinness Stout Black Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Moist and rich, this Guinness stout-infused black cake is elevated by a velvety chocolate ganache glaze.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the ganache:
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add Guinness stout and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing with ganache. Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Stir in heavy cream until combined.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Vegan Black Cake with Coconut and Almonds
This rich and decadent vegan black cake is infused with the flavors of coconut and almonds, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Moist and tender, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup coconut sugar
– 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk)
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chopped almonds and shredded coconut.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Black Sesame Cake with Matcha Frosting
This moist black sesame cake is elevated by a creamy matcha frosting, making it a unique and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons matcha powder
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons matcha powder
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add black sesame seeds and whisk until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix butter, eggs, and matcha powder. Pour into dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with the matcha frosting (see below).
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Red Wine Black Cake with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Moist and decadent, this red wine-infused black cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (250ml) red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, butter, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, red wine, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blackout Chocolate Cake with Fudge Filling
Moist and rich, this blackout chocolate cake is elevated by a velvety fudge filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for special occasions or a treat anytime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Fudge filling ingredients (see below)
Fudge Filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and melted chocolate in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; pour into prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with fudge filling.
Fudge Filling:
1. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat; stir in softened butter until melted and smooth.
3. Pour filling between cooled cake layers.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes (cake), 10-15 minutes (fudge filling)
Black Fig Cake with Honey Drizzle
Moist and rich, this black fig cake is a perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The sweetness of the honey drizzle takes it to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup black fig jam
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and black fig jam.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the honey drizzle, simply heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth and warm.
9. Drizzle the honey over the cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Espresso Black Cake with Mocha Buttercream
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and indulgent espresso black cake, paired with a velvety mocha buttercream frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers and anyone seeking a sophisticated sweet treat.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups (400g) confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– Mocha chips or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Add butter, eggs, and espresso powder; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cakes cool completely before frosting with mocha buttercream.
5. Garnish with mocha chips or chocolate shavings.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes (including baking time)
Black Treacle Cake with Ginger and Molasses
This traditional British cake recipe combines the deep flavors of black treacle (molasses) with the warmth of ginger, resulting in a moist and aromatic dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 225g golden caster sugar
– 100g unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 150g self-raising flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 60g black treacle (molasses)
– 30ml milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8in) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Sift flour, baking powder, and ginger into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in black treacle and milk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Gluten-Free Black Cake with Almond Flour
This rich and decadent black cake is a game-changer for those who require gluten-free options. Made with almond flour, this recipe yields a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup black coffee or espresso (cooled)
– Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Whisk in melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and black coffee or espresso.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Blackberry Infused Black Cake with Lemon Glaze
A rich and decadent black cake infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of blackberries, topped with a bright and citrusy lemon glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add blackberries to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing.
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Spiced Rum Black Cake with Pecan Crust
Elevate your holiday season with this rich and decadent spiced rum black cake, topped with a crunchy pecan crust. Perfect for gift-giving or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. If using rum, stir it in at this point.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the batter, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Black Banana Cake with Caramel Frosting
This rich and decadent cake is a perfect treat for banana lovers and anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. The addition of caramel frosting takes it to the next level, adding a deep and buttery flavor.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Caramel frosting (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and mashed bananas. Beat until smooth.
4. Add flour mixture and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Caramel Frosting:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp sea salt
Combine cream and butter; beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and sea salt, beating until combined.
Dark Cocoa Black Cake with Raspberry Coulis
A decadent dessert that combines the deep flavors of dark cocoa and black cake with the sweet-tartness of raspberry coulis.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup (200g) dark cocoa powder
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For the coulis:
– 1 cup (120g) fresh raspberries
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup (30ml) water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients, then whisk in milk, eggs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely before serving with raspberry coulis (simmer raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water over medium heat until reduced).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of black cake with these 18 decadent recipes. From traditional Caribbean black cakes to dark chocolate and spiced Jamaican varieties, there’s something for every sweet tooth. These moist and flavorful cakes are perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. With a range of ingredients like rum-soaked fruits, cherries, brandy glaze, and matcha frosting, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you’re looking for vegan, gluten-free, or eggless options, these black cake recipes will satisfy your cravings.
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