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4.53 from 88 votes

Chocolate Blackout Cake Recipe

A moist, rich, triple layer chocolate blackout cake with a chocolate cream cheese frosting. Warning: for extreme chocolate lovers only!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Cakes & Cheesecakes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 1049kcal
Author: Andrea

Ingredients

  • 3 c. all-purpose flour
  • 3 c. granulated sugar
  • c. quality unsweetened cocoa powder I prefer Scharffenberger or Guittard Cocoa Rouge
  • 1 tbsp. baking soda
  • tsp. baking powder
  • tsp. coarse kosher sea salt not fine
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 1 c. buttermilk
  • c. warm water + 1/2 tsp. espresso powder espresso is optional
  • ½ c. vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • For the frosting:
  • c. 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz 1 block cream cheese, softened
  • c. unsweetened cocoa powder same as above
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 7 c. powdered sugar
  • 1/4 c. heavy cream more if needed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously spray or butter/flour three 9-inch cake rounds.
  • Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer using a low speed until combined.
  • Add eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, warm water, oil, and vanilla. Beat on a medium speed until smooth, about a minute.
  • Divide batter evenly between the three pans (about 3 cups of batter per pan).
  • Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, you don't want to over-bake this cake!
  • Remove from the oven and allow to the cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
  • For the frosting, in a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Carefully add in the cocoa powder, vanilla and salt, beat until combined.
  • With mixing speed on low, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. When all of the powdered sugar has been added, beat in heavy cream, then add more to create a spreadable consistency. The frosting should be on the thicker side, however, it will thicken even more when the cake is refrigerated.
  • Spread the frosting in between the cooled layers, then on the sides and on top. Spread into a smooth, even layer, using an offset spatula. Decorate as desired. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

*My favorite cocoa powder is Guittard Cocoa Rouge, however, Scharffenberger works well too.
-Dissolve the espresso powder in the warm water before adding to the remaining ingredients. This is an optional ingredient, however, it helps enhance the overall chocolate flavor of the cake.
Adapted from The Stay at Home Chef

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1049kcal | Carbohydrates: 201g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 493mg | Potassium: 1452mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 132g | Vitamin A: 826IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 9mg