This recipe is for an Easy Chocolate Cake, a moist and rich single-layer cake covered in a smooth chocolate frosting and festive sprinkles. This is a straightforward recipe, perfect for a quick chocolate fix or a simple celebration. The cake itself is likely made with cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor and a tender crumb, achieved through the inclusion of oil or butter and a liquid like milk or water. The batter is mixed until just combined to ensure a light texture. Baked in a square or round pan, this cake is simple yet satisfying. The chocolate frosting is a classic accompaniment, typically made with butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk or cream, and vanilla extract, whipped to a smooth and spreadable consistency. The frosting provides an extra layer of chocolate richness and sweetness. The final touch is a generous scattering of colorful sprinkles, adding a fun and celebratory element to the cake, making it especially appealing for birthdays or casual gatherings. This Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Sprinkles is a no-fuss dessert that delivers on flavor and visual appeal, perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings without requiring complicated baking techniques. The image shows a slice of rich, dark chocolate cake on a wooden plate. The cake is covered in a smooth, glossy chocolate frosting and decorated with colorful sprinkles. A fork rests on the plate next to the slice. In the background, another slice of the same cake is visible. The texture of the cake appears moist and the frosting looks fudgy.
The texture of this Easy Chocolate Cake is expected to be moist and tender. The chocolate frosting is smooth and creamy, providing a delightful contrast to the cake’s crumb. The sprinkles add a slight, fun crunch.
The flavor profile is intensely chocolatey, with the rich taste of cocoa in both the cake and the frosting. The sprinkles add a touch of sweetness and a playful element.
Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Sprinkles is a simple yet satisfying dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers of all ages and any casual celebration.
The preparation involves baking a straightforward chocolate cake and then making a simple chocolate frosting to spread over it, finished with sprinkles.
Ingredients:
For the Easy Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + ¾ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Colorful sprinkles, for decoration
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch square baking pan or 9-inch round baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula or knife for frosting
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures the leavening agents and cocoa are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk (or milk mixture), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Hot Water: Gradually pour in the hot water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin. This helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing its flavor and resulting in a moist cake.
- Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes for a square pan, or 30-40 minutes for a round pan, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting.
- Make the Chocolate Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and mix until well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of milk or heavy cream, beating on low speed until the powdered sugar is incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add more milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, place it on a serving plate. Use an offset spatula or a knife to evenly spread the chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle the colorful sprinkles generously over the frosted cake before the frosting sets.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Easy Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Sprinkles. It can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Enjoy this simple and delightful chocolate cake! It’s a classic treat that is always a hit.