Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe
If you are a chocolate lover, this Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee optional, enhances chocolate
For Frosting or Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Make the Cake Batter
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Add Boiling Water and Coffee
- Slowly pour in boiling water and optional instant coffee. Stir until smooth; the batter will be thin, which is okay.
Pour Batter into Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
Bake the Cakes
- Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Cool the Cakes
- Remove cakes from oven. Let cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to cooling racks until fully cool.
Make Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, stir until smooth, add vanilla.
Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread chocolate ganache or frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with second layer.
Decorate the Cake
- Pour remaining ganache over the top and sides. Smooth with a spatula or let it drip naturally. Add chocolate shavings if desired.
Chill Before Serving
- Refrigerate cake 30 minutes to set frosting slightly. Bring to room temperature before slicing for best texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa: It enhances flavor and makes the cake richer.
- Add espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate taste without a coffee flavor.
- Make it layered: Slice into 3 layers and add ganache or frosting between each layer.
- Add fruits: Raspberries or strawberries make a fresh contrast with chocolate.
- Vegan version: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter for a vegan chocolate cake.