Dark Chocolate Cake

The rich, velvety allure of dark chocolate cake is hard to resist. This classic dessert is the perfect centerpiece for celebrations, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Its deep chocolate flavor, moist crumb, and delightful sweetness make it a favorite among chocolate lovers everywhere. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this dark chocolate cake recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 365
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 300mg

Why Make This Dark Chocolate Cake

This dark chocolate cake is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. With its rich chocolate taste, it captivates everyone’s palate, making it a perfect choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat for a weeknight dessert. The use of boiling water in the batter ensures the cake remains moist and decadent. Furthermore, this recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade dessert without taking hours in the kitchen, making it a winner for any occasion.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 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

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step ensures that your cakes will slip right out of the pans after baking.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until fully mixed; this will be your dry ingredient mixture.

Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined; you want everything incorporated evenly.

Step 4: Adding the Boiling Water

Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be quite thin, but that’s perfectly fine! It helps to create a moist cake.

Step 5: Baking

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of chocolate baking will fill your kitchen—an irresistible sign that your cake is on its way!

Step 6: Cooling

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on wire racks. This helps the cakes set properly, making them easier to frost later.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Cake

Once cooled, you can enjoy the dark chocolate cake as is or dress it up with your favorite frosting. Classic options include chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.

How to Store Dark Chocolate Cake

To keep your dark chocolate cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Just wrap it well in plastic and foil, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Expert Tips for Perfect Dark Chocolate Cake

• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: A higher quality cocoa powder will enhance the chocolate flavor of your cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
• Test for Doneness: Always check the cakes a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Cooling Time Matters: Allowing the cakes to cool fully will help prevent them from crumbling when you frost them.

Delicious Variations

1. Mint Chocolate Cake: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing flavor twist.
2. Espresso Dark Chocolate Cake: Incorporate a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to intensify the chocolate flavor.
3. Nutty Delight: Fold in half a cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• What can I use instead of vegetable oil? You can use melted butter or coconut oil as alternatives.
• How can I make this cake vegan? Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
• Is it necessary to use boiling water in the batter? Yes, the boiling water helps to dissolve the cocoa and create a moist cake.
• Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you use larger pans.

Conclusion

This dark chocolate cake is a delightful treat that promises to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With its easy preparation, rich flavor, and moist texture, it’s a must-try recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved—it’s a slice of pure happiness on a plate. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade chocolate cake!

Dark Chocolate Cake

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and moist dark chocolate cake that’s perfect for celebrations and everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until fully mixed.
3. Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Stir in the boiling water until well incorporated. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

You can frost the cake with your favorite frosting such as chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg