How to Bake the Perfect Chocolate Cake Every Time

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Chocolate cake is a classic dessert that never fails to satisfy the sweet tooth. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a casual gathering, this perfect chocolate cake recipe is sure to get rave reviews.

Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

The key to a delicious chocolate cake is using high quality cocoa powder. For this recipe, we use 3/4 cup of Dutch-process cocoa powder (unsweetened) to give the cake a rich, chocolate flavor.

For best results, I also recommend allowing your milk and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing your cake batter.

This recipe will give you two cake layers (9-inch pans) or you could make a sheet cake or chocolate cupcakes as well. (And I probably don’t have to tell you, it pairs perfectly with ice cream!)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup of cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

How to Make

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans, or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Next, add in the wet ingredients (milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract) to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer (or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) on medium speed until well combined. Finally, stir in the boiling hot water until the batter is smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared 9-inch cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cakes are completely cooled, you can frost them with your favorite chocolate buttercream frosting or chocolate ganache.

Tips For Baking the Best Chocolate Cake From Scratch

• Use high-quality ingredients. If you want the best cake you can possibly make, then you need to start with the best ingredients. It doesn’t hurt to spend a little bit more on quality ingredients as they will make a big difference to the taste of your final dish.
• Avoid over-mixing your batter. Once you have combined everything together, it is important to not over-mix your batter. Over-mixing can cause your cake to become tough and result in a dense texture.
• Let your cake cool before frosting it.

Perfect Chocolate Cake

Yield: 2-9" round cakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

This classic chocolate cake is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Whether you serve it at a party or just enjoy it as an after dinner treat, this delicious dessert is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup of cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost the cooled cakes with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Notes

• Use high-quality ingredients. If you want the best chocolate cake you can possibly make, then you need to start with the best ingredients. It doesn’t hurt to spend a little bit more on quality ingredients as they will make a big difference to the taste of your final dish.
• Avoid over-mixing your batter. Once you have combined everything together, it is important to not over-mix your batter. Over-mixing can cause your cake to become tough and result in a dense texture.
• Let your cake cool before frosting it.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 435mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 4g

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Conclusion

This rich chocolate cake is sure to be your go-to recipe. Whether you serve it at a party or just enjoy it as an after dinner treat, this delicious dessert is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.