Hey there, fellow chocolate lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my absolute favorite recipe for the best chocolate cake you’ll ever taste. Moist, rich, and indulgently chocolatey, this cake is a game-changer for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of chocolate bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A moist and delicious texture that will leave everyone wanting more
- An easy-to-follow recipe that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers
- A rich, deep chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving
- A versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite toppings or designs
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible chocolate cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240mL) milk
- 1/2 cup (120mL) vegetable oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup (240mL) hot black coffee (*see notes)
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get started! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious chocolate cake:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla into the well. Whisk the wet ingredients in the center to break up the eggs roughly, then gradually work your way out to mix in the dry ingredients. Whisk until it just combines into a thick batter. Take care not to over mix.
- Pour your hot coffee into the thick batter, and whisk right away to combine. The batter should be very thin at this point – that’s what you’re looking for!
- Pour the chocolate cake batter into your prepared cake pans. Bake in the center of your preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes for about 10 minutes in the pans, then turn onto a wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, and set aside to finish cooling completely to room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting for a clean, professional finish.
How to Serve
Once your cake is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Slice and serve as is for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Top with fresh fruit for a light and refreshing twist.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra-decadent treat. (Check out my guide on how to make perfect chocolate ganache for the best results!)
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to store your cake to keep it fresh:
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
And there you have it, my friends! A moist, delicious, and easy-to-make chocolate cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. I’d love to see how your cake turns out!
Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil or any neutral flavored oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract optional
- 1 cup hot black coffee *see notes
For the frosting
- 1.5 cups cocoa powder
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract optional
- 10-12 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
- Mix wet ingredients in the center of dry ingredients, gradually combining to form a thick batter.
- Add hot coffee to the batter and whisk until smooth and thin.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare frosting by combining cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and butter, then gradually add milk until smooth.
- Assemble and frost the cake, then slice and serve.
