Homemade Chocolate Cake

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked chocolate cake wafting through your kitchen. Homemade Chocolate Cake is a beloved dessert that brings joy to gatherings, birthdays, and quiet evenings at home. With its rich, moist layers and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to delight everyone who takes a bite.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own chocolate cake at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s fresh and flavorful. Baking can be a fun activity for the whole family, and there’s something special about creating a dessert from scratch. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a cake that is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a celebration or just a treat for yourself!

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in the boiling water until well combined (the batter will be thin).
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Cake

Serve your delicious chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings or fresh berries on top for extra flair. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special moment.

How to Store Homemade Chocolate Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Ensure the cake is covered to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Homemade Chocolate Cake

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the cake mix better.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
If the cake layers domed while baking, you can level them with a serrated knife before frosting.
For an extra moist cake, try adding a tablespoon of coffee to the batter.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat! Or, for a different flavor, try swapping some of the cocoa powder for espresso powder, which adds a lovely depth to the chocolate flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different size cake pan?
- Yes! Just adjust the baking time. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
What can I use instead of eggs?
- You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute—1/4 cup for each egg.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum.
Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months.

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking this delightful Homemade Chocolate Cake. Enjoy every bite!