Black Russian Cake

12 slices servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 40 m Total: 55 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Black Russian Cake
This recipe came from my nephew’s girlfriend, Lisa. It is a moist and delicious cake with yellow cake mix, chocolate pudding, vodka, and Kahlua. The liquors give it an exceptionally rich and unique flavor. Absolutely a must for chocolate lovers. Very moist and rich.

Ingredients

12 slices servings
  • 1 box Moist Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1 pieces 5.9 oz. Instant Chocolate pudding
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
  2. Mix 1/4 cup Kahlua and 1/2 cup powdered sugar to make glaze. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, chocolate pudding, eggs, sugar, oil, 1/4 cup vodka, 1/4 cup Kahlua, and milk. Mix at medium high speed for 4 to 6 minutes until well blended and smooth.
  4. Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Let cake cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn out onto a serving plate. While cake is still warm, poke holes in top of cake with large fork or skewer.
  6. Pour Kahlua glaze over top of warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cake dry?

A: Make sure you're measuring the liquids accurately and not overbaking. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Also, poke the holes while the cake is still warm so the glaze soaks in properly.

Q: Can I taste the alcohol in the finished cake?

A: The alcohol flavor is subtle but present - it adds richness and moisture rather than a strong boozy taste. Most of the alcohol burns off during baking, leaving behind the complex flavors.

Tips and Techniques

For maximum moisture, pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm so it soaks in deeply. The cake actually gets better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vodka: additional Kahlua or strong brewed coffee
  • Kahlua: other coffee liqueur or coffee syrup mixed with a bit of rum extract
  • instant chocolate pudding: chocolate fudge pudding mix

Equipment Needed

  • Bundt cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork or skewer for poking holes

Historical Context

The Black Russian cocktail was created in 1949, and by the 1960s, creative home bakers were incorporating the vodka-Kahlua combination into desserts. Bundt cakes surged in popularity in the same era, making this an iconic mid-century modern dessert.