Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (120 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures:

   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

5. Add Boiling Water:

   • Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and helps create a moist cake.

6. Pour Batter:

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

7. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool:

   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

2. Prepare the Frosting:

1. Beat Butter:

   • In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.

2. Add Cocoa Powder:

   • Gradually add the cocoa powder and beat until well combined.

3. Add Powdered Sugar:

   • Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.

4. Add Cream and Vanilla:

   • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Frost the Cake:

   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
   • Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

2. Decorate (Optional):

   • You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any other desired toppings.

Enjoy your classic chocolate cake! It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you need a delicious chocolate treat.