Description
Chocolate lovers will adore this homemade chocolate cake recipe that brings Italian dessert traditions to life. Rich cocoa layers promise pure indulgence with classic ingredients blending seamlessly for you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (420 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) whole milk (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake foundation by combining dry ingredients: sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until fully integrated and glossy.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a uniform texture without overmixing.
- Introduce boiling water into the batter, which will create a thin, silky consistency essential for a moist chocolate cake.
- Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring to prevent sticking, then evenly distribute the batter between them.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
- Craft the frosting by beating butter until creamy and smooth, creating a rich base.
- Gradually blend powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the butter, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds.
- Enhance frosting with vanilla extract and milk, adjusting liquid until achieving a spreadable, velvety consistency.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, apply frosting to the first layer, then carefully position the second layer on top.
- Generously coat the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating an even, luscious chocolate exterior.
Notes
- Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and replace some milk with strong brewed coffee.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
- Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, keeping the cake’s moisture intact with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 44 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg