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Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe

5.2 from 8 reviews

This Decadent Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. Featuring a tender crumb crafted from all-purpose flour and cocoa powder, it’s paired with a luscious, creamy chocolate frosting, making it an ideal centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ¼ cup milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare 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 easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients to combine thoroughly for an even texture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until slightly frothy. Add the granulated sugar, whole milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until all wet ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Prepare Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. The batter will be somewhat thick.
  5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes in the pans. Then, run a knife around the edges and turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and light. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with milk or cream, beating continuously until it reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth or decorate as desired.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of whole milk.
  • Ensure that eggs and dairy ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or canola oil.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • This cake can also be made into cupcakes; adjust baking time to 18-22 minutes accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, decadent chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, easy chocolate cake recipe