best chocolate cake recipe
Introduction
best chocolate cake recipe, Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this rich, moist, and deeply flavorful chocolate cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake a cake that’s not just delicious but also soft, fluffy, and irresistible.
Recipe Ingredients
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups / 240g) – The base of the cake, giving it structure.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups / 400g) – Adds sweetness and ensures a moist texture.
Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup / 50g, natural or Dutch-processed) – The heart of the chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder (1 1/2 tsp) & Baking Soda (1 1/2 tsp) – The leavening agents that help the cake rise.
Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup) – Keeps the cake soft even after refrigeration.
Whole Milk (1 cup / 240ml) – Adds richness and moisture.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature) – Binds everything together and adds fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Boiling Water or Hot Coffee (1 cup) – Intensifies the chocolate taste and ensures moisture.
How to Make the Chocolate Cake (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat & Prepare (5 minutes)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Sift to remove clumps and ensure even mixing.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients (5 minutes)
In another bowl, whisk together oil, milk, vanilla, and eggs until smooth.
4. Combine & Add Boiling Water (5 minutes)
Gradually add wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until almost combined.
Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing continuously.
Batter will be thin – this is normal!
5. Bake the Cake (35 minutes)
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Chocolate Ganache (Smooth & Creamy Layer)
Ingredients:
- Dark Chocolate – 200g (chopped or chocolate chips)
- Heavy Cream – 200ml
- Unsalted Butter – 1 tbsp (for extra shine)
- Powdered Sugar – 2 tbsp (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
Heat the Cream:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low-medium heat until it starts to simmer. (Do not let it boil).
Melt the Chocolate:
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Mix Until Smooth:
- Stir gently with a spatula until you get a smooth and glossy texture.
Add Butter & Sugar:
- Mix in the butter for extra shine and smoothness. If you want a sweeter ganache, sift in powdered sugar and mix well.
Let it Cool Slightly:
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If you want a thicker layer, let it chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
How to Apply the Chocolate Layer on the Cake?
- For a glossy glaze: Pour the warm ganache over the cake and let it drip down the sides.
- For a thick frosting: Let the ganache cool in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, then spread it with a spatula.
6. Cool & Frost (20 minutes)
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
How to Make the Moistest Chocolate Cake Ever
Use oil instead of butter – Oil stays soft even when refrigerated.
Do not overmix the batter – Overmixing creates a dense cake.
Sift the dry ingredients – Removes lumps and creates an airy texture.
Use hot coffee instead of water – Enhances chocolate flavor.
Don’t overbake – Check for doneness at 30 minutes.
Wrap in plastic wrap when cooling – Locks in moisture.
Brush layers with simple syrup – Adds extra softness.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting – Prevents melting.
Use room temperature eggs and milk – Ensures even mixing.
Bake at the right temperature – Too high will dry out the cake.
Test Kitchen Tips
Scaling the Recipe: Easily double or halve the recipe for different occasions.
Parchment Paper Tip: Always use parchment paper for flawless cake removal.
Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding excess.
Enhancing Flavor: Add 1/4 tsp espresso powder to deepen chocolate notes.
Mixing Order Matters: Always add wet to dry ingredients gradually.
Soft Buttercream: Beat frosting for at least 5 minutes for a silky texture.
Customizing the Cake: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for variety.
Storage Tip: Keep leftover slices airtight to maintain freshness.
Frosting Hacks: Chill cake layers before frosting for cleaner assembly.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
How to Store Chocolate Cake
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week, covered to prevent drying.
After Slicing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Cake?
Yes! Follow these steps to freeze your cake for longer storage:
Freeze Unfrosted Cake Layers – Wrap cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Freeze Frosted Cake – Chill cake first, then wrap securely.
Storage Duration – Cake stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing – Let cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
NonvegKahani Community Tips & Praise (by Rahul K)
“I made this for my sister’s birthday, and she said it was the best cake she’s ever had!”
“I swapped hot water for espresso and wow, the chocolate flavor was intense!”
“This cake is now my go-to recipe. It’s so soft and moist every single time.”
Scaling Ingredients
| Ingredient | 1x | 2x | 4x |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
| Sugar | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/2 cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 1/2 tsp | 3 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Baking Soda | 1 1/2 tsp | 3 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/2 cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Eggs | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Vanilla | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
| Hot Water | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder? You can substitute with melted dark chocolate, but the texture may change.
Why is my cake dry? Overbaking or too much flour. Always measure correctly and use a timer.
Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk? Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness.
What frosting pairs best with this cake? Classic chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or ganache.
Best YouTube Video Tutorial
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