Black Magic Gooey Cake (Print Version)

Decadent chocolate cake with fudgy center and a crackly top for rich sweetness in every bite.

# Components:

→ Cake Layer

01 - 1 cup granulated sugar
02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 cup hot coffee

→ Gooey Layer

12 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 large eggs
15 - 2 cups powdered sugar
16 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until incorporated.
04 - Pour in hot coffee and stir until the batter is smooth and glossy.
05 - Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
06 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
07 - Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add vanilla extract and salt, then beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
08 - Carefully spread the gooey layer over the cake batter, ensuring an even distribution.
09 - Bake for 32 to 38 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly. Avoid overbaking to preserve a gooey middle.
10 - Allow to cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or gently warmed.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses familiar pantry staples you likely already have
  • Quick enough for a weeknight yet showy enough for guests
  • Delivers a gooey center and crisp edges in every slice
  • Works perfectly for potlucks, birthdays, and cozy family movie nights
02 -
  • High fiber thanks to cocoa and buttermilk
  • The gooey layer stays creamy for days
  • Perfect for freezing and defrosting slice by slice
03 -
  • Always use high quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor
  • Do not overbake the cake or you will lose the gooey center
  • Invest in block cream cheese instead of the whipped kind for firmer texture

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