Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate cake that promises to satisfy your sweet cravings. This recipe yields a luscious cake, layered with creamy chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, an anniversary, or just a treat for yourself, this chocolate cake will be the star of the dessert table. Let’s dive into this delightful treat!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g fat, 50g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 30g sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate as desired with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Unsweetened applesauce can replace oil for a lighter cake, and almond milk can be used instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
Serving and Pairings
This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A dollop of whipped cream also enhances its flavor and presentation.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to a dense cake.
- Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rising.
- Do not skip the boiling water step; it helps to enhance the cocoa flavor.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use a serrated knife to level the tops for even stacking.
Helpful Tips
- For extra moisture, use buttermilk in place of regular milk.
- Chill the cake after frosting for easier slicing.
- Experiment with flavored frostings, like mint or orange, for a twist.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
FAQs
What makes a chocolate cake moist?
A chocolate cake is made moist through the use of ingredients like oil, eggs, and the incorporation of boiling water or hot coffee, which enhances the chocolate flavor and texture.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?
Yes, cocoa powder is often used in chocolate cake recipes as it provides the chocolate flavor without the added fat of chocolate bars.
How do I know when my cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months before frosting.
How should I decorate my chocolate cake?
You can decorate your chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, fresh fruit, or nuts. Sprinkles or shaved chocolate also add a festive touch.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake recipe is a classic that never disappoints. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it a favorite for celebrations and everyday indulgence alike. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a stunning dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!
Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Chocolate frosting store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate as desired with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
