There’s something truly special about a homemade chocolate cake—its rich aroma, velvety texture, and deep chocolate flavor make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a well-deserved dessert, this chocolate cake recipe is guaranteed to impress.
It combines simple ingredients with expert techniques to create a perfectly moist, tender, and decadent cake. With layers of rich chocolate flavor and a creamy, luscious frosting, each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more. Best of all, it’s easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
3. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
4. Add Boiling Water
Gradually pour in the boiling water, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but this step ensures a moist and tender crumb.
5. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to prevent lumps. Add the salt and vanilla extract.
Begin mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to medium as the ingredients combine. Pour in the heavy cream and continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
7. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat—a thin layer of frosting to seal in any loose crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for about 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This allows for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Measuring Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder, to achieve consistent results.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting helps to aerate the flour and cocoa powder, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
- Boiling Water Addition: Adding boiling water to the batter enhances the cocoa flavor and ensures a moist crumb.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Presentation: Serve slices of the cake as is, allowing the rich chocolate flavors to shine.
- A La Mode: Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Berry Garnish: Top the cake with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries to add a refreshing tartness that complements the rich chocolate.
- Drizzle Delight: Enhance the decadence by drizzling warm chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
This homemade chocolate cake is a testament to the joy of baking from scratch. Its rich, moist, and decadent flavor makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or with complementary accompaniments, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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