Deliciously Simple Chocolate Cake: A Delight for Any Occasion
This is not your average chocolate cake! This recipe is a dream come true for busy bakers and chocoholics alike. Made with simple ingredients and minimal steps, this cake delivers a moist, fluffy crumb and a decadent chocolate frosting that will have you wanting more.
Gather your Ingredients:
For the cake itself, you'll need:
- 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
- 1 cup (80g) of unsweetened cocoa powder – for that rich chocolatey depth
- 1 teaspoon (5g) of baking powder – to give your cake a beautiful rise
- 1 teaspoon (5g) of baking soda – another leavening agent for a fluffy texture
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) of salt – to balance the sweetness
- 2 large eggs – the base for your batter
- 1 cup (240ml) of milk – keeps the cake moist
- ½ cup (120ml) of vegetable oil – adds richness without heaviness
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) of vanilla extract – for a touch of warm flavor
- 1 cup (240ml) of boiling water – a secret ingredient for a super moist cake
To create the luxurious chocolate frosting, you'll need:
- 200g of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
- 200ml of heavy cream – for a smooth and decadent frosting
Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare your pan. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch cake pan to ensure easy removal later.
- Start by sifting or whisking together the dry ingredients in a roomy bowl. This includes your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients – eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla – into the dry mixture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed or a good old whisk to combine everything until you have a smooth and homogeneous batter.
- Here comes the secret! Slowly add the boiling water to the batter while gently stirring. Don't worry if the batter seems very liquid – that's the magic of this recipe!
- Once mixed, pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake at the preheated temperature for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Let the cake cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows for even cooling without the bottom getting soggy. After 10 minutes, the cake should be firm enough to move without crumbling. Gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, whip up your chocolate frosting. Grab a bowl that can handle heat and add the chopped chocolate pieces to it. In a separate saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to boil. Slowly pour the piping hot cream over the chocolate. Now comes the patience part – let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Gently stir the chocolate mixture until you have a smooth, shiny, and decadent chocolate ganache. Allow it to cool slightly before frosting the cake.
The Grand Finale: Assembling and Serving
- Once your cake is completely cool, spread the luscious chocolate frosting over the top. Gently spread the frosting over the cake using a spatula to achieve a beautiful, uniform coat.
- Get creative with decorations! You can sprinkle chocolate shavings, colorful sprinkles, or even fresh berries on top for an extra touch of beauty.
- Slice and serve! Versatility alert! This cake shines for any gathering, whether it's a fancy afternoon tea party or a lively birthday bash. Enjoy it with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee to complete the chocolatey experience.
Tips for Success:
- For an even richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in place of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the boiling water. A few lumps are perfectly fine and won't affect the final texture of the cake.
- Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it over the cake. This will help it to set properly and create a beautiful finish.
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