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Black Magic Chocolate Cake with Dandelion Root Coffee

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Black Magic Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, with a unique twist—brewed dandelion root coffee replaces traditional coffee for a subtle, earthy bitterness that complements the cocoa. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a bold flavor with a wholesome edge.


Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup brewed dandelion root coffee (cooled)

Optional Frosting (Chocolate Buttercream):

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

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

  2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

  3. Add wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until well combined.

  4. Slowly pour in the brewed dandelion root coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth. It will be thin—this is normal!

  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

  8. Make the frosting (if using): Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.

  9. Frost the cake once layers are completely cool.


Notes

  • You can substitute regular coffee if dandelion root coffee isn’t available.

  • This cake is even better the next day—super moist and flavorful!

  • Dandelion root coffee is naturally caffeine-free, so this dessert is great for an evening treat.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg