Description
Moist chocolate cake delights dessert enthusiasts with rich cocoa layers and silky frosting. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this classic treat perfect for family gatherings and sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- 1 ½ tsps baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ⅔ cups (330 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45 g) cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously prepare two round cake pans with a generous coating of grease and flour.
- Dry Blend: Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until completely integrated and lump-free.
- Liquid Integration: Introduce eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract directly into the dry ingredients, creating a cohesive mixture.
- Mixing Process: Engage an electric mixer on medium speed, transforming the ingredients into a silky, homogeneous batter with consistent texture.
- Liquid Enhancement: Gently incorporate boiling water at low speed, which will thin the batter and enhance its smooth, glossy appearance.
- Pan Distribution: Evenly divide the chocolate batter between prepared pans, ensuring uniform coverage and level surfaces.
- Baking Technique: Position pans in the preheated oven, rotating midway through the 35-minute baking cycle to promote consistent heat absorption.
- Cooling Protocol: Rest cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete temperature reduction before frosting.
- Frosting Creation: Whip softened butter until fluffy, progressively blending powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract into a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
- Final Assembly: Generously apply frosting across cake layers, creating an elegant finish and optional decorative elements like chocolate shavings or intricate piped designs.
Notes
- Prevent Cake Sticking: Generously grease and flour cake pans, ensuring complete coverage to guarantee smooth cake release without tearing.
- Control Moisture Balance: Add boiling water gradually while mixing at low speed to create a thin, silky batter that ensures a tender, moist chocolate cake texture.
- Achieve Even Baking: Rotate cake pans midway through baking to distribute heat uniformly, preventing uneven browning or undercooked sections.
- Master Frosting Technique: Whip butter until light and creamy before adding powdered sugar to create a smooth, spreadable frosting with perfect consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg