Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is a showstopper that brings joy to any celebration. This dessert is not only rich and moist but also features an indulgent chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a sweet treat after dinner, this cake impresses with its deep chocolate flavor and elegant presentation, especially when topped with Chocolate Crispearls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder creates a rich chocolate experience.
- Tender Texture: The use of buttermilk ensures the cake stays moist and fluffy.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can bake this delightful cake.
- Versatile Occasion: Suitable for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in with friends or family.
- Impressive Presentation: Topped with Chocolate Crispearls, it looks as stunning as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless for a light texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
- Rubber spatula: Helps incorporate ingredients thoroughly without deflating the batter.
Ingredients
Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is so decadent and incredibly tender. It has a rich chocolate buttercream frosting and is topped with Chocolate Crispearls for decoration.
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cups cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Frosting
- 6 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (chopped)
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 2 teaspoons hot water
How to Make Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Buttermilk
3. Lightly beaten eggs
4. Vanilla extract
Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Cocoa powder
4. Baking soda
5. Baking powder
6. Salt
Stir these dry ingredients until they are evenly combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently.
- Pour in the freshly brewed hot coffee slowly as you mix.
- Ensure there are no lumps in the batter; it should be smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
While cakes are cooling, make your frosting:
1. Melt chopped semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler or microwave.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter until creamy.
3. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat together until fluffy.
5. Dissolve instant coffee granules in hot water; then add to frosting mixture along with melted chocolate.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting generously on top.
2. Place the second layer on top of the first and frost the sides and top of the cake.
3. Finish with an elegant sprinkle of Chocolate Crispearls for decoration.
Now you have an exquisite dessert that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite of Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake!
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
Serving Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is an opportunity to showcase its rich flavor and delightful texture. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, the presentation can elevate your dessert experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of cake on a plate, allowing the rich chocolate layers to shine through.
Coffee Pairing
- Pair each slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Ice Cream Delight
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creaminess balances the cake’s richness and offers a delightful contrast.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries. Their tartness adds a refreshing element that brightens up each bite.
Whipped Cream
- Top with dollops of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence and lightness.
How to Perfect Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
To make sure your Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth batter and even baking.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder eliminates lumps and ensures even distribution in the batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cake to cool prevents melting your frosting and makes it easier to spread.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
While Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with certain side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with dippable items like marshmallows and fruit adds an interactive element.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance sweetness with savory flavors, creating a complex taste profile.
- Chocolate Mousse: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, serving mousse alongside will satisfy any chocoholic’s cravings.
- Pecan Pie: The nuttiness complements the cake’s richness while adding another layer of flavor.
- Coffee Crème Brûlée: The creamy texture and caramelized top work well together, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea adds aromatic spices that pair beautifully with chocolate.
- Vanilla Custard: Smooth custard provides a comforting base under each slice of cake, making every bite delightful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a tough texture. Mix just until combined for a tender cake.
- Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the coffee: Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor in this cake. Don’t skip it; use freshly brewed hot coffee for optimal taste.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting the cake before it cools can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely for clean slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If layered with frosting, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- For whole cakes, double wrap and seal in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the cake on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake:
What makes Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake so special?
Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is known for its rich texture and deep chocolate flavor, thanks to high-quality cocoa powder and coffee.
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just be aware that texture may vary.
How can I customize this cake?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit like raspberries between layers or as toppings!
Is there a way to reduce sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it affects both sweetness and moisture. Try reducing by one-third for a less sweet version.
How do I store leftover frosting?
Store any leftover chocolate buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Rewhip before using.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is not only decadent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings based on your preferences. It’s perfect for celebrations or just a cozy night at home. This amazing recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and velvety delight of Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake, a decadent dessert that is sure to elevate any celebration. With its luscious chocolate buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of elegant Chocolate Crispearls on top, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet escape after dinner, each slice promises a moist and flavorful experience thanks to the combination of semi-sweet chocolate and buttermilk. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this simple yet impressive recipe will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot coffee
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients while slowly adding hot coffee until smooth.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
