Hey there, baking friend! If you’re anything like me, there’s a special kind of magic that happens when the smell of chocolate fills the kitchen. Today, I want to share with you my go-to recipe for a Homemade Chocolate Cake that’s simple, scrumptious, and absolutely heartwarming. Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it also fills your space with love and warmth, making it perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday, a holiday, or just a Tuesday that needs a touch of sweetness! So, let’s embark on this delightful baking adventure together!
Why Make This Recipe
You might ask, why should I make this chocolate cake? Well, my friend, there are countless reasons! First off, chocolate cake is like a warm hug on a plate. It has this incredible ability to uplift your mood and bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. Imagine slicing into a moist, rich cake, revealing soft layers that promise indulgence in every bite!
Plus, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. You’ll find that baking this cake doesn’t just fill your tummy; it might just fill your soul too. The act of measuring and mixing the ingredients is almost therapeutic, a moment where you can focus on something sweet and delightful. So, whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or simply to treat yourself on a cozy afternoon, this Homemade Chocolate Cake is your answer.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake
Now, let’s dive right into how we can create this delightful chocolate cake from scratch. It’s easier than you might think!
Ingredients
To make this luscious cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 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
- Chocolate buttercream for topping
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven will ensure your cake rises beautifully.
Prepare Cake Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help your cakes come out easily after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to whisk them well; we want everything to be combined smoothly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined. You should have a thick, chocolatey batter now!
Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. This step is important because it creates a super moist cake. Your batter will be quite thin, but don’t worry, this is how it should be!
Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. You can use a spatula to scrape down the sides and make sure you get every last drop!
Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to come out!
Cool Down: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then gently remove them and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost: After fully cooling, frost with your favorite chocolate buttercream. The richness of the chocolate frosting will perfectly complement the cake!
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Cake
Serving this cake is all about enjoying it with good company! Slice generous pieces and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Don’t forget to share some smiles and laughter as you enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends, you’ll find the experience is just as delightful as the cake itself!
How to Store Homemade Chocolate Cake
If by some chance you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also place it in the fridge for a longer shelf life; it’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before you dig back in, or heat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe!
Tips to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake
Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The flavor of your cocoa powder can dramatically affect the taste of your cake. Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa for the richest flavor.
Don’t Skip the Boiling Water: It might seem odd, but boiling water helps to dissolve the cocoa and creates a moist, tender cake.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different. Check your cakes at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Cool Completely: Make sure your cakes are completely cool before frosting. If they’re warm, your frosting will melt and it’ll be a gooey mess!
Variation
Feel free to add some variety to your Homemade Chocolate Cake! You can mix in chocolate chips for added sweetness or replace the frosting with a fruity glaze like raspberry for a tangy twist. You might even consider making this cake into cupcakes for a fun party treat!
FAQs
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Cake flour will make a lighter cake, so if you have it on hand, feel free to substitute it for all-purpose flour in this recipe.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.
3. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
So there you have it, a soul-rewarding and scrumptious Homemade Chocolate Cake recipe ready to bring joy and comfort to your table. Get your apron on, preheat that oven, and let’s bake something wonderful together!
Print
Homemade Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and scrumptious recipe for Homemade Chocolate Cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 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
- Chocolate buttercream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream after cooling.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa powder for better flavor and don’t skip the boiling water for moistness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg