Description
Chocolate lovers rejoice over this irresistible chocolate cake recipe that promises pure dessert bliss. Rich layers of moist chocolate goodness will transport you to sweet paradise, making each bite a delightful celebration of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (414g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cake Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water
Frosting and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (560 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 9 cups (1035 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (114 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 45 tablespoons (60–75 milliliters) water/milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 6 ounces (1 cup | 169 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 300°F (148°C), ensuring a gentle baking environment for maximum moisture. Coat three 8-inch cake pans with grease and line bottoms with parchment paper to prevent adhesion.
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps and ensure uniform distribution.
- Incorporate eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil into the dry mixture. Blend carefully without overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
- Create a liquid mixture by combining vanilla extract with hot water. Pour into the batter, stirring until the consistency becomes fluid. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-33 minutes until a toothpick inserted reveals minimal crumbs. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter until smooth. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, vanilla, and minimal liquid to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Incorporate cocoa powder for depth of flavor.
- Level cake layers using a serrated knife. Stack layers, spreading frosting between each. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, embracing a rustic aesthetic.
- Craft ganache by heating heavy cream to near-boiling point. Pour over chocolate chips, allowing brief resting before whisking to silky smoothness. Drizzle around cake edges, allowing elegant drips.
- Embellish with piped frosting borders and decorative elements. Allow ganache to set completely before serving, creating a visually stunning and decadent chocolate cake.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother, fluffier frosting that spreads easily without lumps.
- Choose high-quality dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate taste that elevates the entire cake.
- Mix batter just until ingredients combine to keep the cake tender and prevent developing too much gluten.
- Lower oven temperature helps create a more even, moist cake by preventing rapid moisture evaporation during baking.
- Substitute gluten-free flour blend for regular flour, use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, or swap eggs with applesauce for different dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 505
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 43mg