Luscious Black Russian Cake Recipe
This Black Russian Cake, though American in origin, pays homage to its name with a decadent infusion of vodka and Kahlúa. Made from scratch, this rich chocolate cake is drenched in a boozy syrup and filled with a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut delight. Perfect for those who appreciate a strong kick in their desserts, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering.
Equipment
- 25cm bundt tin
- Large mixing bowls
- whisk,
- Sieve
- wire rack
- spatula
- Pastry brush
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 200 g plain flour
- 50 g cornflour
- 25 g milk powder
- 90 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 450 g caster sugar
- 210 ml vegetable oil
- 170 ml whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml Kahlúa liqueur
For the Syrup:
- 45 g unsalted butter diced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 90 g caster sugar
- 100 ml Kahlúa liqueur
- 100 ml vodka
For the Cream Filling:
- 300 ml double cream
- 25 g icing sugar
- 95 g chocolate hazelnut spread or praline paste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/Gas Mark 3.
- Grease a 25cm bundt tin and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess.
- Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly.
- Sift all the dry ingredients (plain flour, cornflour, milk powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt) into a large mixing bowl.
- Sift again to ensure thorough mixing.
- Add the vegetable oil, whole milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the Kahlúa and vodka.
- Whisk this mixture into the batter until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt tin and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 25 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and let it cool completely for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, wash and dry the bundt tin, as it will be used again for soaking the cake.
For the Syrup:
- In a pan, combine the butter, water, and caster sugar.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture reduces by a third.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Kahlúa and vodka.
- Pour half of the syrup into the bundt tin, then carefully return the cooled cake to the tin.
- Let it soak for 5 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto a serving plate and brush the remaining syrup over the cake.
For the Cream Filling:
- Whisk the double cream, icing sugar, and chocolate hazelnut spread (or praline paste) together until medium peaks form.
- Spoon or pipe the cream into the center of the cake, or serve it separately.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Pair with a rich, full-bodied red wine like a Shiraz or a dessert wine like Tawny Port.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 38 g | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 45 g | Salt: 0.7 mg