Chocolate Cake Recipe
Rich chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate center.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cake Batter
Chocolate Center
Frosting (optional)
Method
Cake Preparation
- 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 mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
- 3
- 4
Incorporate boiling water
Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
- 5
Bake the cake
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
Cool the cakes
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Center
- 7
Make the chocolate center
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
- 8
Fill the cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Pour the chocolate center mixture over the top, then place the second layer of cake on top.
Frosting (optional)
- 9
Prepare the frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and cocoa powder until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- 10
Adjust consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- 11
Frost the cake
Spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake as desired.