Why This Chocolate Cake is a Must-Bake
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a rich, moist chocolate cake. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a regular Tuesday, this cake brings a sense of joy and celebration. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dessert, and the delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to have a slice. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it an excellent go-to recipe for gatherings.
Simple Steps to Create a Decadent Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup 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
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.
Best Ways to Enjoy Your Chocolate Cake
You can serve this chocolate cake warm or at room temperature. A generous layer of chocolate frosting is a delicious pairing, but feel free to add some fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra touch. Consider decorating with chocolate shavings or sprinkles for added flair.
How to Store Your Chocolate Cake
To keep your chocolate cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze individual slices; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Chocolate Cake
- Measure Ingredients Carefully: Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and milk reach room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Variations to Try
Feel free to switch things up with this chocolate cake recipe. You can add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra gooey texture, or experiment with different kinds of frosting, such as cream cheese or buttercream. For a mocha twist, consider adding brewed coffee in place of some of the boiling water.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 5g
Ideas for Family Serving
This chocolate cake is a fantastic option for family gatherings or dinner parties. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a delightful treat. Kids especially love this cake, so it’s great for birthdays or family celebrations.
Perfect Pairings with Your Chocolate Cake
Pair your chocolate cake with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Common Questions About Chocolate Cake
How do I know when my chocolate cake is done baking?
Stick a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Can I use different types of cocoa powder?
Yes! Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give your cake a deeper flavor, while raw cocoa powder may be more bitter.
How can I make my cake more chocolatey?
Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness, or use a chocolate ganache as a frosting.
Now you have all the knowledge you need to bake a delightful chocolate cake that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!
Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder Use Dutch-processed for a deeper flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs Use room temperature for best results.
- 1 cup whole milk Let come to room temperature.
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water Carefully stir into the batter.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.
