Chocolate Cake Recipe
Chocolate cake recipe lovers, rejoice! This delightful chocolate cake is a celebration of rich cocoa and fluffy texture, perfect for any gathering. With every bite, you’ll experience the lusciousness of moist layers, complemented by a creamy, dreamy frosting that’s simply irresistible. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk for that extra tenderness and a splash of vanilla for warmth, this cake is sure to steal the show at your next party. So grab your mixing bowl and whisk away to chocolate heaven—your guests will be begging for seconds!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans Greased and floured or lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Provides the structure for the cake.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder Adds rich chocolate flavor and color.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda Enhances the leavening process for a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups sugar Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
- 2 large eggs Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 1 cup whole milk Hydrates the batter and helps achieve the right consistency.
- ½ cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup boiling water Incorporated to make the cake moist.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all the ingredients listed above.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Incorporate Boiling Water
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay—it’s what makes the cake moist!
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pans
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy
- Once cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting, slice, and enjoy your delicious chocolate cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 50g |
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake Recipe
- It’s incredibly moist and rich, making every bite a heavenly experience.
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip it up anytime, even on a whim!
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy family dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, so you can make it uniquely yours.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 8 |
| Best Served: | With whipped cream or ice cream |
Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Recipe
- All-purpose flour – provides the structure for the cake.
- Cocoa powder – adds rich chocolate flavor and color.
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda – enhances the leavening process for a light texture.
- Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Sugar – sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
- Eggs – bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Milk – hydrates the batter and helps achieve the right consistency.
How to Make the Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ¾ cups 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, and 1 cup boiling water.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Incorporate Boiling Water
Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay—it’s what makes the cake moist!
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pans
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy
Once cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting, slice, and enjoy your delicious chocolate cake!
Pro Tips for Making the Chocolate Cake Recipe
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Incorporate coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. Don’t overmix; gently fold in dry ingredients for a tender cake. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for the best results. Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or whipped cream for a delightful twist.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Recipe
Here are some delightful ways to serve your chocolate cake:
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
- Drizzle with rich chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
- Add fresh berries on the side for a fruity contrast.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
- Layer with chocolate ganache for a decadent experience.
- Serve with a side of fruit compote for a refreshing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Cool the cake completely before freezing.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap individually.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- For individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- For whole cakes, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
Absolutely! Cocoa powder is a great substitute for melted chocolate. Just use about 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder for every ounce of chocolate. Make sure to adjust the sugar in your recipe slightly, as cocoa powder can be less sweet.
What can I use instead of eggs in this chocolate cake recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or even yogurt. About 1/4 cup of any of these options works well for each egg you want to replace, keeping your cake moist and delicious!
How do I make my chocolate cake more moist?
To ensure a moist chocolate cake, consider adding a bit of sour cream or buttermilk to your batter. These ingredients add richness and moisture. Also, be careful not to overbake your cake, as that can dry it out.
Can I freeze the chocolate cake?
Yes, you can freeze your chocolate cake! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.