Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe Half NelsonChocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Inspired by The Half Nelson
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Rich chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Frosting Ingredients

To Serve

Method

Cake Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

  3. 3

    Mix Wet Ingredients

    Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add Boiling Water

    Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.

  5. 5

    Bake the Cakes

    Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Cool the Cakes

    Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation

  1. 7

    Beat the Butter

    In a medium bowl, beat the unsalted butter with a mixer until creamy.

  2. 8

    Add Cocoa and Sugar

    Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating to a spreading consistency.

  3. 9

    Finish with Vanilla

    Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Assemble and Serve

  1. 10

    Frost the Cake

    Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the frosting on the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

  2. 11

    Serve with Ice Cream

    Slice the cake and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

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