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Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake combines rich chocolate flavor with incredible moisture and a tender crumb, making it a go-to recipe for any celebration.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Base Ingredients
  • 1.75 cups plain all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups white sugar (caster or superfine preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 large eggs (approximately 55-65g each)
  • 1 cup milk (low-fat or full-fat both work)
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
For Assembly
  • 1.5 batches chocolate buttercream frosting

Method
 

Preparation and Setup
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C for fan-forced ovens).
  2. Grease two 22cm/9-inch cake pans with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  3. For springform pans, seal the junction with butter to prevent leaking.
  4. Place a baking tray on the bottom oven rack to catch drips.
Creating the Perfect Batter
  1. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
The Crucial Boiling Water Addition
  1. Slowly add the boiling water while whisking continuously until the batter is thin.
Baking Techniques for Success
  1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Cooling and Finishing
  1. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For a richer cake, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or replace boiling water with strong hot coffee. Frosting tips: apply a crumb coat first and refrigerate before the final layer.