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Tall lit candles on a dark chocolate candle cake

Candle Cake


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Jasmine Padda
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Candle Cake transforms a classic chocolate base into a stunning centerpiece by combining the richness of cocoa with a secret splash of hot coffee. Topped with flickering tapers, it offers a moist, tender crumb and a dramatic presentation that makes any celebration feel truly magical.


Ingredients

  • Natural Cocoa Powder
  • Hot Coffee
  • Buttermilk
  • Light Brown Sugar
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Baking Soda
  • Salt
  • Melted Butter
  • Neutral Oil
  • Eggs
  • Extra egg yolk


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Stir in the melted butter and neutral oil until the dry ingredients are fully moistened.
  4. Incorporate the lightly beaten eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter is smooth.
  5. Gradually pour in the buttermilk while stirring to incorporate into the batter.
  6. Gently stir in the hot coffee or hot water until the mixture is uniform and thin.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

To ensure the most elegant presentation, use extra-tall thin taper candles to provide a striking height contrast against the dark chocolate frosting. Additionally, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a perfectly emulsified and consistent cake crumb.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American