Chocolate cake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its rich cocoa flavor, soft and moist texture, and irresistible sweetness create a beloved treat for chocolate lovers. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or simply a desire for a delicious dessert, making your own chocolate cake from scratch is rewarding and enjoyable. With just a handful of ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create a decadent cake that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 53 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 33 grams
- Sodium: 250 mg
Why Make This Chocolate Cake
Making this chocolate cake is a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth. Its deep, rich flavors and airy texture make it perfect for any celebration. The straightforward preparation means you don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve amazing results. This cake is not only delicious but also customizable with your favorite frosting, toppings, or variations. Each slice is a guilt-free pleasure, giving you a chocolate fix that is both satisfying and comforting.
How to Make Chocolate Cake
Baking a chocolate cake from scratch is simpler than it seems. Follow these steps to create a cake that’s fluffy and delicious. The ingredients are easy to find, and the method is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can create this masterpiece with confidence.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring that the cakes will release easily once baked.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are fully combined. This ensures that every bite of your cake is perfectly chocolatey.
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Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using a mixer, combine these ingredients until the batter is smooth and well blended. Carefully stir in the boiling water; this is crucial for achieving that moist texture. Don’t worry if the batter appears thin – that’s exactly what we want!
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Step 4: Baking
Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake
Serve your chocolate cake as a slice of heavenly goodness on its own or adorned with a creamy chocolate frosting. Top it with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that no one can resist.
How to Store Chocolate Cake
To keep your chocolate cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cake
- Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid a dense cake.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the boiling water; it helps to create a moist cake.
- Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
- If your cakes dome in the oven, you can use a serrated knife to level them off for a neat appearance.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Mint Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Coffee Cake: Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the boiling water for a depth of flavor.
- Layered Chocolate Cake: Bake three layers of cake and fill them with a rich chocolate ganache or whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, cake flour can be substituted for an even finer texture, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly as cake flour is lighter. - How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking. - What frosting goes well with chocolate cake?
Chocolate buttercream is a classic choice, but cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream works wonderfully too. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it when you’re ready to serve. - Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
It can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days. Refrigeration is not necessary unless you’ve added cream cheese frosting.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake recipe is a delightful way to create a special dessert that everyone will love. Its simple but rich flavor profile and moist texture make it an instant favorite, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or treating yourself on a regular day, this cake promises happiness in every bite. So grab your ingredients and enjoy baking this indulgent chocolate cake—you won’t regret it!
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Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist chocolate cake, perfect for celebrations and sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water carefully.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For variations, try adding peppermint extract or instant coffee granules. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
