Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. Its rich, moist texture and deep chocolate flavor make it a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat any day of the week. This recipe is simple yet delivers a show-stopping cake that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to dive into a world of chocolatey goodness!
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
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g fat, 52g carbohydrates, and 5g protein. This information is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting once cooled.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, unsweetened applesauce can replace oil for a lighter cake.
Serving and Pairings
This chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries on the side enhance its flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Baking at incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven baking.
- Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.
- Skipping the cooling process before frosting can cause melting.
- Using expired baking powder or soda can prevent rising.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely for easier frosting.
- Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or ganache.
- For added flavor, infuse coffee into the batter.
FAQs
How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?
Ensure you properly measure ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Additionally, check your oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure it’s accurate.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap until ready to frost and serve.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If the cake turns out dry, you can soak it with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water. Brush it over the cake layers before frosting.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! This batter works well for cupcakes. Just reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes.
How do I make a chocolate ganache?
Heat equal parts of heavy cream and chopped chocolate until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake for a glossy finish.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake recipe is a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. With its rich flavor and moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and indulge in the delicious results!
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix for 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting once cooled.
