Chocolate Cake Recipe

Create a lusciously moist and indulgent chocolate cake with this detailed recipe, perfect for satisfying any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients:

• 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 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Prepare and Preheat:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring they are evenly coated to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to ensure they are thoroughly combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are well blended.
   • Add the room temperature whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or whisk to gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
5. Add Boiling Water:
   • Carefully add the boiling water to the batter. Stir gently until it is fully incorporated. The batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the tops.
   • Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cakes are ready.
7. Cooling and Frosting:
   • Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
   • Carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
8. Frosting (Optional):
   • Once the cakes have cooled completely, you can frost them with your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache. Alternatively, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice the chocolate cake and serve it at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cake:

• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Baking Technique: Be mindful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

Delight your family and friends with this decadent chocolate cake, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a special treat!