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Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe

5.3 from 7 reviews

This Decadent Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist dessert that combines the deep flavor of cocoa with a smooth, luscious chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake features a tender crumb complemented by a creamy buttercream frosting, making it an irresistible choice for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the 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 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 for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and a lump-free batter.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing the frosting from melting.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, beating until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better cake texture.
  • Using buttermilk in place of milk adds extra moisture and tanginess.
  • Sift the powdered sugar to avoid clumps in the frosting.
  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • Store the cake covered in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, decadent cake, chocolate frosting, birthday cake, moist chocolate cake