Black History Month Cake

Sure! Here’s Black History Month Cake recipe that’s rich, moist, and beautifully symbolic. This cake incorporates flavors that pay homage to African and African-American culinary traditions, such as warm spices and molasses, and is decorated with colors inspired by the Pan-African flag (red, black, green).

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Black History Month Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for rich dark color and flavor)

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup molasses (adds deep flavor and richness)

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee (or strong black tea)

For the Frosting:

Option 1: Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Option 2: Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Decorations:

• Red, black, and green food coloring (for frosting or fondant accents)

• Edible gold or silver stars or sprinkles (optional)

• Fresh berries or edible flowers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

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

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until well combined.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses and vanilla extract.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

6. Slowly add the hot coffee and stir gently until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.

2. Bake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

• Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.

• Mix in vanilla extract.

Chocolate Ganache:

• Heat the cream until it just starts to simmer.

• Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl.

• Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

• Let cool to spreading consistency.

4. Assemble and Decorate

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.

2. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with frosting.

3. Divide some frosting into three small bowls, color each bowl with red, black, and green food coloring.

4. Use colored frosting to pipe designs or stripes inspired by the Pan-African flag. Alternatively, you can use fondant or edible decorations in these colors.

5. Optional: add edible gold or silver stars, fresh berries, or flowers to elevate the decoration.

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Tips:

• The spices and molasses give this cake a unique, warm flavor reminiscent of traditional African and African-American desserts.

• Using coffee enhances the cocoa flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

• For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk with lemon juice as buttermilk, and vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.