Chocolate Kahlua Bundt Cake – The Easy To Follow Instructions for Black Russian Cake

Chocolate Kahlua Bundt Cake is a light and airy double chocolate cake doused in a sweet, boozy glaze. It starts with two shortcut ingredients, cake mix and pudding mix and then is jazzed up with two types of booze, Kahlua and Crème de Cacao. Traditionally, this boozy chocolate cake is called a Black Russian Cake.

I love the texture of this boozy chocolate kahlua cake.  It’s so moist and light on your tongue.  And then comes the boozy, sweet glaze that is drizzled over top for a punch of flavor.

This divine double chocolate Bundt cake is called a Black Russian Cake in my old Eastern Airlines Cook Book.

Chocolate Kahlua Bundt Cake Recipe

The recipe spoke to me when I saw that it called for coffee, Kahlua, and creme de cacao, three of my favorite drinks. Plus, I keep all three of these on hand in my pantry.  Kahlua and Godiva make for some tasty adult beverages.

Black Russian drinks contain coffee liquor such as Kahlua which is presumably how this cake got it’s name.

Coffee actually brings out the flavor of chocolate and intensifies it, and this cake has strong brewed coffee in the cake batter and in the boozy glaze.

Ingredients for Black Russian cake with creme de cacao

Chocolate Cake Mix (preferably a dark chocolate variety)

Vegetable Oil

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix

Large Eggs

Coffee, brewed strong

Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

Creme de cacao

Powdered Sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

Vanilla Extract

How to Make Black Russian Cake

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat boxed cake mix, vegetable oil, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, coffee, Kahlua and creme de cacao at medium speed for 4 minutes using a stand mixer or electric mixer.
2. Pour into a Bundt cake pan that has been greased and lightly floured.
3. Bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cool for 5 – 10 minutes; invert and remove from pan.
5. Using a toothpick or cake tester, make holes all over the warm cake.
6. Combine powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla, Kahlua and creme de cacao for glaze; brush all over the warm cake on all sides until absorbed.
7. If desired, sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar before serving.

Storage Instructions

Let leftover cake cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

For the full recipe and ingredient amounts for Black Russian Cake, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

Recipe FAQs

• Use a dark chocolate cake mix if possible for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• If you can’t find creme de cacao, use Godiva Liquor.
• Let your eggs come to room temperature, if possible before preparing this Black Russian Cake.
• Sift your powdered sugar for a lump-free Kahlua glaze.
• For better flavor, brew your coffee strong.
• Be sure to use instant chocolate pudding mix.
• For a fun twist, use Salted Caramel Kahlua.
• The boozy glaze will absorb better if the cake is slightly warm.  If you miss this point, try warming up the glaze before brushing over the cake.
• Place a plate under the cake on the cooling rack to catch the glaze that falls off.  Pour back over the cake!
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Recipe Variations

• Stir in chocolate chips or chocolate chunks that have been coated in a teaspoon of all purpose flour.
• Top with a chocolate ganache before serving.

What is a Black Russian?

A Black Russian refers to an alcoholic beverage made with vodka and coffee liquor such as Kahlua.  It is similar to a White Russian which uses the addition of cream to the beverage for a creamy white appearance.

Try our favorite alcoholic beverage the Dirty White Russian.

Bundt cakes like this Boozy Chocolate Bundt Cake are so fun to make. Check out some of our favorite Bundt cake recipes.

Old Fashioned Bundt Cake Recipes

Grandma’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Pistachio Coffee Cake

Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

Old Fashioned Pound Cake

Chocolate Pound Cake