The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

Here’s a recipe for The Best Chocolate Cake – rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a richer flavor)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
4. Incorporate boiling water: Gradually stir in the boiling water (or hot coffee). The batter will be thin, but that’s expected for a moist cake.
5. Pour batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans or pour it into the single pan.
6. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Chocolate Frosting:

1. Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add cocoa powder: Gradually add the cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to prevent the cocoa from flying everywhere.
3. Add powdered sugar and cream: Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Beat on low until the mixture is combined, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the cake: If using round pans, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
2. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
3. Decorate: Use a spatula or a piping bag to decorate the cake as desired. You can add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh fruit if you like.
4. Serve: Slice and enjoy this rich, moist, and indulgent chocolate cake!

This Best Chocolate Cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a serious chocolate fix. The combination of moist cake and creamy chocolate frosting is sure to impress!