Chocolate Cake
If you’re a chocolate lover, this chocolate cake recipe will be your new go-to! This cake is rich, moist, and layered with a creamy chocolate frosting that makes it irresistible. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this chocolate cake will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Follow this easy recipe to create a cake that not only looks stunning but tastes divine.
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 (for layering and decorating)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is 20 minutes, and cooking time is 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 320 calories, 15g fat, 45g carbohydrates, 4g protein, and 2g fiber. This is based on a standard slice size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
5. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
6. Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).
7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on wire racks.
10. Once cooled, frost with chocolate frosting as desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a slight coconut flavor, or almond milk in place of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
Serving and Pairings
This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream can enhance its richness.
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. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Opening the oven door too early can cause sinking.
- Using cold ingredients can prevent proper blending.
- Not cooling cakes completely before frosting can cause melting.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Let eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing.
- For a richer cake, add a tablespoon of espresso powder.
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
FAQs
How can I make a chocolate cake more moist?
Add an extra egg or a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. These ingredients add moisture and richness, helping the cake stay tender.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can melt dark chocolate and incorporate it into the batter, reducing the amount of added fat or sugar accordingly.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
Ensure you are measuring flour correctly and avoid overmixing the batter, which can create a denser texture.
How should I store a frosted chocolate cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve freshness, especially if using dairy-based frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature until ready to frost and serve.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it perfect for special occasions or just to satisfy a chocolate craving. With simple ingredients and steps, you can create a masterpiece that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every bite!
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 for layering and decorating
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 beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
- Once cooled, frost with chocolate frosting as desired.