Decadent Blackout Chocolate Cake

If you’re a chocolate lover, this cake is for you! Imagine a super moist chocolate cake with layers of creamy chocolate cheese frosting, all topped off with a generous helping of chocolate chips and a drizzle of chocolate. This recipe takes its inspiration from the classic Chocolate Blackout Cake by Life Made Simple.

Ingredients:

• For the chocolate cake:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• For the frosting:

  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

• Extras:

  • 3-4 cups of chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cake Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
   • Grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.
   • Add the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
   • Evenly distribute the batter among the three pans.
   • Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
   • Allow the cakes to cool.

2. Making the Frosting:

   • In a mixing bowl, cream together all the frosting ingredients except for the chocolate chips until smooth.

3. Assembling the Cake:

   • Cut two 9-inch round circles from cardboard and cover them with foil.
   • Place a small amount of frosting on one cardboard piece and set the first cake layer on top. This helps to keep it stable.
   • Stack the cakes, spreading frosting between each layer, around the outside, and on top.
   • Chill the stacked cake for 30 minutes.

4. Adding the Chocolate Chips:

   • Spread the chocolate chips on a jelly roll pan.
   • Place the second cardboard on top of the chilled cake and, holding the ends of the cardboard, roll the cake into the chocolate chips, pressing gently to make them stick.

Additional Tips:

• Consider melting some extra chocolate and drizzling it over the top for that extra wow factor.
• This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s easier to slice at room temperature or before the chocolate drizzle hardens.

Enjoy crafting this decadent treat that’s perfect for any chocolate enthusiast!