My Very Best Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
4. Add the Boiling Water:
- Slowly add the boiling water (or hot coffee) to the batter, mixing on low speed until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Optionally, decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any other desired toppings.
8. Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your very best Chocolate Cake with friends and family.
This Chocolate Cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering, with its rich, moist texture and decadent chocolate frosting. Enjoy!
