Chocolate Cake is a timeless dessert that’s rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just craving something sweet, this easy recipe will give you a decadent cake that’s sure to please everyone!
Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for extra richness)
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk (more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Make the cake batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually pour in the boiling water (or hot coffee), mixing as you go. The batter will be thin, but this is normal. The thin batter helps create a moist cake.
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Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
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Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
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Serve and enjoy:
- Slice and serve your delicious homemade chocolate cake. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: The quality of your cocoa powder will directly impact the flavor of your cake. Go for a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, like Dutch-process, for a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Coffee instead of water: Adding hot coffee instead of water enhances the flavor of the chocolate without making it taste like coffee. It brings out the richness of the chocolate cake.
- Moisture: If you want an extra moist cake, you can replace some of the milk with sour cream or buttermilk for a denser, richer texture.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
This Chocolate Cake is everything you want in a cake: moist, rich, and decadent. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone! 🍫🎂