Blackout Chocolate Cake

 The Blackout Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate pudding, and a crumb topping. Here's how to make it:

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Pudding Filling:

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 cups whole milk

4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping:

1/2 of one cake layer, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Make the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Slowly add the hot coffee, mixing until combined (the batter will be thin).

5. Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans. Cool completely.

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2. Make the Pudding Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in milk.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.

3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla until smooth.

4. Cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface) and chill until cool.

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3. Assemble the Cake

1. Slice one cake layer in half horizontally to create two thin layers.

2. Crumble the second layer into fine crumbs for the topping.

3. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of pudding over the top. Repeat with the second layer and more pudding, finishing with the third cake layer.

4. Spread the remaining pudding over the entire cake. Press the cake crumbs onto the top and sides.

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4. Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set.

2. Slice and serve for a rich, chocolate-filled dessert experience!

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This cake is a true chocolate lover's dream!