Classic Chocolate Cake: A Moist, Rich, and Decadent Dessert
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper) to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
• Gradually add the boiling water (or hot coffee) to the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and helps create a moist cake.
3. Bake the Cake:
• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting:
• While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
• Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together to avoid lumps, then gradually add it to the butter, mixing on low speed until combined.
• Add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake:
• Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
• If desired, you can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
6. Serve:
• Slice and serve your delicious classic chocolate cake! For best results, let the cake set for 15-20 minutes before serving so the frosting has time to firm up.
Tips:
• Make it richer: For an even richer chocolate flavor, swap out the boiling water for hot coffee. It enhances the chocolate and gives the cake a deeper flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
• Add-ins: If you like a little texture, consider adding chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, or chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
• Make it a layered cake: You can also turn this into a multi-layered cake by baking in 3 or 4 smaller pans and stacking them for an even more impressive presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chocolate Cake:
• Moist and Rich: The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the oil and the addition of boiling water or coffee, which creates a tender crumb.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Classic Flavor: With the perfect balance of chocolate, sweetness, and creaminess, this is the chocolate cake that everyone loves.
This classic chocolate cake is a timeless dessert that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to share with family and friends!
