Chocolate Cake Recipe

A Decadent and Irresistible Dessert

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and indulgent chocolate cake recipe. It’s a classic dessert that is sure to please anyone with a love for chocolate. Let’s get started!

PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 30 minutes COURSE: Dessert CUISINE: American SERVINGS: 12 servings

EQUIPMENT:

• 2 round cake pans (8-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or butter knife

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking together until the batter is smooth.
5. Stir in the boiling water, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
3. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the cakes to a cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften.
4. Stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
5. Let the ganache cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache evenly on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread another layer of ganache.
3. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to smooth the ganache around the sides of the cake.
4. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries, if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Slice the chocolate cake into servings and serve it on dessert plates.
2. Enjoy this decadent and irresistible chocolate cake with family and friends.
3. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

TIPS:

• For even more chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips or chunks to the cake batter.
• You can also add a layer of frosting between the cake layers for extra sweetness.
• Make sure the ganache has thickened enough before spreading it on the cake.

KEYWORD: Chocolate Cake, Dessert, Chocolate, Celebration