Name: Homemade Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 3/4 cup cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup oil; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup butter softened; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 pinch salt; 6-8 Tbsp milk

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Moist and fudgy, this Homemade Chocolate Cake is perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat at home. With its rich flavor and velvety texture, it stands out as a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on birthdays, anniversaries, or just because! This cake features two luscious layers topped with homemade chocolate frosting, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and sugar creates an incredibly rich taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
Versatile Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat, this cake fits any occasion.
Two Layers of Delight: The double-layer design adds elegance and makes it share-worthy at gatherings.
Customizable Frosting: You can adjust the sweetness or even add flavors to the frosting for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Homemade Chocolate Cake, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

9 round cake pans: These pans help in creating perfectly shaped layers that are easy to stack.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Whisk: A must-have for achieving a smooth batter by incorporating air into your mixture.

Ingredients

Moist and fudgy two-layer chocolate cake with homemade chocolate frosting.

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch salt
6-8 Tbsp milk

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper and spray them with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the following dry ingredients until well combined:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 3/4 cup cocoa powder
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt

Add in the wet ingredients:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
Mix until smooth. Carefully stir in:
1 cup boiling water (the batter will be thin).

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Step 4: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool completely. For easier handling, you may wrap each layer in plastic wrap and freeze them briefly.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a cake stand or serving tray. Spread about one cup of frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top, then frost the sides and top of the entire cake as desired.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together:
– 1/2 cup softened butter,
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder,
– 4 cups powdered sugar,
– 1 tsp vanilla,
– A pinch of salt,
– Enough milk (6-8 tablespoons) to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Enjoy your deliciously rich Homemade Chocolate Cake!

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Cake

Homemade Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Classic Slice

Serve a generous slice of the cake on its own for a traditional treat.

With Fresh Berries

Top each slice with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

Ice Cream Delight

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, allowing the warm cake to melt into the cold treat.

Whipped Cream Topping

Finish each piece with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture.

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top for an indulgent touch.

Coffee Companion

Pair a slice with a cup of coffee, enhancing the flavors of both the cake and brew.

How to Perfect Homemade Chocolate Cake

To ensure your Homemade Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to sit out before mixing; this helps create a smooth batter and improves cake texture.
Measure accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for dry and wet ingredients to maintain the right balance in your batter.
Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Cool completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of frosting.
Wrap cakes for freezing: If not serving immediately, wrap cooled cakes in plastic wrap and freeze them. This can enhance moisture when thawed.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chocolate Cake

Homemade Chocolate Cake pairs beautifully with several side dishes. Consider these options to complement your dessert.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to rich chocolate.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and fruity dish that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, serve alongside airy mousse for an extra indulgent experience.
Coffee: A hot cup enhances the flavors of both the cake and coffee, making it a perfect match.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel adds sweetness and depth, creating layers of flavor with each bite.
Nutty Biscotti: These crunchy cookies provide texture contrast and are great for dipping into coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Homemade Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Always use the correct measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Too much flour or sugar can ruin your cake’s texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
Not preheating the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing your cake in. Baking in an unheated oven can affect the rise and texture.
Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cakes to cool properly before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt the frosting and make a mess.
Using cold ingredients: Ensure ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Homemade Chocolate Cake

Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Chocolate Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Homemade Chocolate Cake.

How do I make my chocolate cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, add an extra egg or substitute some oil with yogurt or applesauce.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Yes! Unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect for achieving that rich chocolate flavor without melting chocolate.

What is the best way to frost my homemade chocolate cake?

Start by chilling the layers before frosting. Apply a thin layer of frosting as a crumb coat, chill again, then apply the final coat smoothly.

How long should I bake my homemade chocolate cake?

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Always check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when done.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chocolate Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different frostings or add-ins like nuts or fruit. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because, this recipe is sure to bring joy to any occasion. Give it a try!

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Homemade Chocolate Cake

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Homemade Chocolate Cake! Moist and fudgy, this two-layer cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Each bite reveals a rich cocoa flavor complemented by velvety homemade chocolate frosting, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply treating yourself after a long day. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can create this stunning centerpiece for any celebration. Elevate your dessert game and delight your family and friends with this irresistible treat!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch salt
6–8 Tbsp milk

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
Carefully stir in boiling water until combined (the batter will be thin).
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
In a bowl, beat together softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American