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.
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
- pan
- 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 & Wine Advice
Pair with a rich, full-bodied red wine like a Shiraz or a dessert wine like Tawny Port.
Nutrition values
Calories: 620 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 38 g | Sugar: 45 g

