Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Step 6: Pour into Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Cool Completely
- Carefully remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
- Add the salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and smooth, adjusting the cream as needed for your desired consistency.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 11: Decorate (Optional)
- You can decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired.
Step 12: Serve
- Slice the cake and serve! Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cake.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can add coffee instead of boiling water for a richer chocolate flavor.
- For a more decadent cake, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter.
Enjoy your baking!