A step-by-step guide to making a delicious homemade chocolate cake:
Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients you'll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup 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 milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
4. Reduce the speed to low and carefully add the boiling water. Mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assemble and Frost the Cake
1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting. You can use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish.
Step 5: Decorate (Optional)
1. You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or extra frosting.
2. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
1. Once the frosting is set, slice the cake and serve.
Your homemade classic chocolate cake is ready to be enjoyed! The rich chocolate flavor and moist texture make it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.