Prepare to embark on a chocolate journey that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This isn't just any chocolate cake - it's a rich, moist, and absolutely irresistible masterpiece that promises to be the star of any gathering. With its deep, intense chocolate flavor and luxurious fudge frosting, this cake is guaranteed to make chocolate lovers weak in the knees and turn even the most disciplined dessert skeptics into complete believers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. Add whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, stirring gently until completely integrated. The batter will be thin, which is normal for this type of chocolate cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- For the frosting, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa powder and stir until smooth.
- Alternately add powdered sugar and milk to the cocoa mixture, beating with an electric mixer until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining chocolate fudge frosting, creating smooth, even layers.
- For best results, let the frosted cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
- Slice and serve. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Boiling Water Secret: The boiling water helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a super moist cake.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Storage Tip: For maximum moisture, store the cake in an airtight container and consider adding a slice of bread to the container to keep it fresh.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
