Are you looking to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering? Look no further than these 18 decadent black cake recipes, perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and more. From traditional Caribbean black cakes soaked in rum to rich chocolate black forest cakes loaded with cherries, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a fan of spices, nuts, or boozy flavors, these black cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With ingredients ranging from dark molasses to Guinness stout, and toppings like whipped cream, caramelized pineapple, and matcha drizzle, you’ll be spoiled for choice. So go ahead, get baking, and make this holiday season one to remember!
Traditional Caribbean Black Cake with Rum Soaked Fruits
This classic Caribbean dessert is a staple at many family gatherings and celebrations. Rich, moist black cake packed with rum-soaked fruits is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 cup mixed fruit (cherries, raisins, currants, and pineapple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add rum-soaked fruits and mix well.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 to 3 hours
Rich Chocolate Black Forest Cake with Cherries
This decadent cake combines the richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of cherries, creating a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, melted
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup pitted cherries, drained and chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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 and sugar.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted chocolate, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Fold in cherries.
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 in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Jamaican Black Cake with Brandy Glaze
This rich and decadent cake is a twist on the classic Jamaican black cake, infused with warm spices and topped with a boozy brandy glaze. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brandy (or substitute with rum or bourbon)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
6. To make brandy glaze, combine brandy and confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
7. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Dark Molasses Black Cake with Walnuts
This decadent cake is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time of the year. The combination of dark molasses, robust spices, and crunchy walnuts creates a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark molasses
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine molasses, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in walnuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Luxurious Black Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the opulence of a rich, mocha-flavored cake paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting in this decadent dessert. Perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (mix softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract; add powdered sugar gradually).
Cooking Time: 75-90 minutes (including cooling time)
Festive Christmas Black Fruit Cake with Almonds
A classic Christmas treat, this rich and moist fruit cake is infused with the warmth of almonds and perfect for serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup black treacle (molasses)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add treacle, almonds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Moist Guinness Black Cake with Irish Cream Frosting
Moist Guinness Black Cake with Irish Cream Frosting: A rich and decadent dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a little bit of Ireland’s magic.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup (240ml) Guinness stout
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add butter, Guinness, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool before frosting with Irish cream frosting (see below).
Irish Cream Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Stir in Irish cream liqueur.
Classic Black Russian Cake with Coffee Liqueur
Rich, mocha-flavored cake infused with the deep flavor of coffee liqueur, perfect for any coffee lover’s special occasion. This classic dessert is a staple of sophisticated gatherings and decadent treats.
Ingredients:
– 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 whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Exotic Black Sesame Cake with Matcha Drizzle
Elevate your dessert game with this unique and flavorful cake, featuring the nutty sweetness of black sesame and the bright, grassy notes of matcha.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
– 1/2 cup matcha powder (ceremonial or premium grade)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and black sesame seeds.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
Matcha Drizzle:
1. Whisk together matcha powder and 2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl.
2. Gradually add in 2 tablespoons of hot water, whisking until smooth and creamy.
3. Drizzle over cooled cake, if desired.
Decadent Blackout Chocolate Cake with Fudge Filling
Experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence with this rich and moist blackout cake filled with a velvety fudge center. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, this show-stopping dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the fudge filling:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Prepare the cake batter according to the recipe. Divide between prepared pans and smooth tops.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. Prepare the fudge filling by creaming butter and confectioners’ sugar, then adding heavy cream and vanilla extract. Spread over one cake layer.
5. Place the second cake layer on top and serve.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Elegant Black Magic Cake with Dark Cocoa
Rich, velvety dark chocolate cake that’s sure to cast a spell on your taste buds. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark cocoa powder
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
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, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Stir until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in melted butter.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Homemade Black Walnut Cake with Maple Glaze
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, featuring the rich flavor of black walnuts and a sweet maple glaze. With its deep brown color and subtle spice notes, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 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 cup black walnut halves
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Maple glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and eggs until smooth. Add black walnuts, vanilla extract, and dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Maple Glaze:
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Vegan Black Bean Chocolate Cake with Avocado Frosting
This decadent cake combines the natural sweetness of black beans with the richness of dark chocolate, topped with a creamy avocado frosting. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still being kind to the planet.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1/2 cup canola oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the frosting:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsalted vegan butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine black beans, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
3. Add almond milk, oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until well combined.
4. Gradually add flour and blend until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the frosting, combine avocados, butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (including cake preparation time)
Gluten-Free Black Rice Cake with Coconut Cream
Experience the exotic flavor of black rice paired with the creamy richness of coconut in this delicious gluten-free dessert. Perfect for a quick and easy treat, these cakes are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a healthier sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black rice
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or a regular-sized cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cooked black rice, unsweetened shredded coconut, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Add coconut cream and lightly beaten egg to the rice mixture. Mix until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared muffin tin or cake pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spooky Halloween Black Ash Cake with Licorice
This hauntingly delicious cake is perfect for a spooky Halloween party. The dark ash color and licorice flavor will transport your guests to a mysterious world of black magic.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) black licorice extract
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sugar, licorice extract, and egg.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Layered Black Forest Gateau with Whipped Cream
This classic German dessert is a show-stopper, featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and whipped cream. With its bold flavors and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; pour into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely. Assemble by spreading cherry preserves on each cake layer, then top with whipped cream.
5. Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form. Top cake layers with whipped cream and garnish with fresh cherries.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (plus cooling time)
Southern-Style Blackberry Black Cake with Lemon Zest
This moist and flavorful cake is a twist on the classic Southern black cake, infused with the sweetness of blackberries and the brightness of lemon zest. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add blackberries, lemon juice, and zest; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Boozy Black Rum Cake with Caramelized Pineapple
A rich and decadent dessert that combines the deep flavors of black rum with the sweetness of caramelized pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (240ml) black rum
– 1 cup (120g) pineapple chunks
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Fresh whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and eggs.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in black rum and pineapple chunks.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. While cake is baking, caramelize pineapple by cooking it with brown sugar over low heat until golden brown.
Serve: Top warm cake with caramelized pineapple and whipped cream.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of rich and decadent black cakes! From traditional Caribbean recipes to luxurious chocolate creations, we’ve got you covered. Our collection of 18 black cake recipes features everything from rum-soaked fruits to coffee liqueur, and even vegan and gluten-free options. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next special occasion or a cozy treat for a quiet night in, our list has something for everyone. So go ahead, indulge in the darkness, and let the sweetness take over!