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Chocolate cake has a special place in our hearts as a dessert that never goes out of style. Whether it’s for a birthday, a casual gathering, or just a sweet craving, this recipe will help you create a rich, moist, and utterly indulgent chocolate cake that’s bound to wow everyone.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (add more if needed for the right consistency)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and lightly dust the sides with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low, and slowly pour in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry—that’s the secret to a moist cake!
3. Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s light and creamy.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Finally, add the vanilla extract and blend it in.
5. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting evenly on top.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides.
- Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls for a more textured look.
Optional Add-Ons
- Garnishes: Top your cake with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or powdered sugar for a polished look.
- Filling: Elevate the flavor with a layer of fruit preserves, caramel, or whipped cream between the cake layers.
- Toppings: Decorate with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate curls for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose Quality Cocoa: The flavor of the cocoa powder makes a significant difference, so opt for a high-quality brand.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make your cake dense; mix just until everything is combined.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and milk ensures a smoother batter.
- Storage: Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
A Cake Worth Celebrating
This chocolate cake combines a perfectly soft, moist crumb with a rich, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. So grab your whisk, preheat your oven, and enjoy the process of making a dessert that’s destined to become a favorite.
Happy baking!