The Classic Chocolate Cake is a timeless dessert that promises indulgence in every bite. With its rich, moist texture and deep cocoa flavor, this cake is perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers a foolproof way to create a luscious chocolate cake that will leave everyone craving more. Paired with a velvety frosting, it’s the dessert that stands the test of time.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake 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.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps create a smooth batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Create the Cake Batter
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer or by hand until fully incorporated. Once combined, add the boiling water slowly. This makes the batter thin, but that’s okay—it helps create a moist, tender cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
- While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and well-combined. Remove from heat and gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake, smoothing the frosting evenly over the top and sides.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice into the cake and enjoy! For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for added flair.