Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake is a classic dessert loved by many. It typically consists of layers of moist, rich chocolate cake, often paired with a creamy frosting, such as chocolate buttercream or ganache. Here’s a basic recipe for a simple and delicious chocolate cake:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 and 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (120g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Making the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
4. Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Making the Frosting

1. Butter and Cocoa: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and beat until well combined.
2. Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
3. Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Assembling the Cake

1. Frosting the Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
2. Decoration: Decorate as desired with additional frosting, chocolate shavings, or other decorations.
3. Serve: Slice and enjoy!