
Chocolate Cake Recipe
Rich and decadent chocolate cake.
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Ingredients
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Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
For Frosting
Method
Prepare the Cake
- 1
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3
- 4
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- 5
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 6
Cool the Cake
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- 7
Beat the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
- 8
Add Sugar and Cocoa
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
- 9
Add Milk and Vanilla
Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
- 10
Frost the Layers
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- 11
Decorate (optional)
You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.