Chocolate lovers, we have an ultimate, ooey-gooey, “smack-yo-mama,” chocolate cake recipe. You won’t be able to control your craving for this Black Magic Chocolate Cake… nor will you want to. After all, it is Christmas. Tis the season to indulge overindulge.

Ganache frosting is optional. It’s that good!

INGREDIENTS

• 1  3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat  oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round  cake pans or one 9×13 inch pan.
• In large bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Batter will be thin. Pour into prepared pans.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and finish cooling on a wire rack. Fill and frost as desired.

GANACHE FROSTING

• 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (can substitute semi-sweet mini morsels).
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)

1. Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Stir in the rum if desired.
2. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over a cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward. For a fluffy frosting or chocolate filling, allow it to cool until thick, then whip with a whisk until light and fluffy.