Welcome to our ultimate guide to making the perfect chocolate cake! If you’re a chocolate lover and have been looking for the best chocolate cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making a moist and delicious cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. For this recipe, you’ll need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot water. These are the basic ingredients for a chocolate cake, but we’ll also be using some additional ingredients for the frosting which we’ll talk about later.
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans. We recommend using three 8-inch round cake pans for this recipe, but you can also use a Bundt pan or any other shape you prefer. If you don’t have three pans, you can bake the cakes one at a time, just make sure to divide the batter evenly.
Next, you’ll want to combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to combine them together, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Then, add this mixture to the dry ingredients, and whisk until everything is well combined.
Now, it’s time to add the hot water. This may seem like an unusual step, but trust us, it’s what makes this cake super moist and delicious. Carefully pour in the hot water and whisk until the batter is smooth and well mixed. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry, it will bake up into a fantastic cake.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. While the cakes are baking, you can start preparing the frosting.
For the frosting, you’ll need butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until it’s creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before you start frosting them.
Now comes the fun part – decorating the cake! You can use whatever method or tools you prefer to frost and decorate the cake. Some people like to use a piping bag to create intricate designs, while others simply use a spoon to spread the frosting evenly. Whatever you choose, have fun with it!
If you’re not planning on serving the cake right away, we recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for a few days, or you can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
That’s it! You now have all the instructions you need to make the perfect chocolate cake. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dessert. For more chocolate cake recipes and tips, be sure to check out our blog post on the subject. Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making this Recipe
When making this perfect chocolate cake recipe, there are a few pro tips that will help ensure your success:
Measuring Ingredients
Measure all the ingredients accurately to get the perfect balance of flavors. Use a kitchen scale for more precise measurements.
Mixing the Batter
Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients together. This will help ensure that the cocoa powder and flour are evenly distributed.
Brewed Coffee
Brew a fresh cup of coffee to add to the batter. The coffee brings out the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake.
Vinegar
Don’t skip the vinegar in this recipe! It reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and creates a tender texture.
Using Buttercream Frosting
For a classic pairing, use a rich and creamy buttercream frosting to decorate the cake. It complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
Cooling and Release
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. This will help it release from the pan without breaking.
Freezing the Cake
If you’re not planning to eat the cake right away, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for days and can be enjoyed whenever you want.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding some variations. You could fill the cake layers with raspberry jam or add some chopped nuts to the batter.
Enjoy!
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking! Follow the recipe below, and you’ll end up with a fantastic chocolate cake that everyone will love.
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Serves: | 12 |
If you have any questions while cooking, feel free to reach out to us on our blog. We’re here to help!
Easy Chocolate Cake Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious chocolate cake, having the right ingredients is key. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
1. All-purpose flour:
You’ll need 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour for this recipe. Measure it out carefully to ensure accurate results.
2. Sugar:
A total of 2 cups of sugar is required to achieve the perfect sweetness in your cake.
3. Hershey’s cocoa powder:
The star ingredient of any chocolate cake is cocoa powder. Use 3/4 cup of Hershey’s cocoa powder for a rich and chocolatey flavor.
4. Baking soda:
A teaspoon of baking soda will help your cake rise and achieve a light and fluffy texture.
5. Salt:
A pinch of salt will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and balance out the sweetness of the cake.
6. Eggs:
This recipe calls for 3 large eggs to bind the ingredients together and provide moisture to the cake.
7. Milk:
For a moist and creamy texture, use 1 and 1/4 cups of milk in the batter.
8. Vegetable oil:
To ensure a moist cake, you’ll need 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. It also adds a subtle richness to the cake.
9. Vanilla extract:
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors of the chocolate and provide a hint of warmth.
10. Boiling water or coffee:
To intensify the chocolate flavor, you can substitute the boiling water with 1 cup of strong brewed coffee. This is an optional ingredient, but highly recommended for all the coffee lovers out there!
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you begin, and you’ll be well-equipped to create a fantastic chocolate cake.
More Popular Cake Recipes
While this recipe for the perfect chocolate cake is undeniably delicious, it’s always great to have some other classic cake recipes in your arsenal. Here are a few more fantastic cake recipes for you to try:
1. Vanilla Bundt Cake
This vanilla bundt cake is a simple and delicious option for any occasion. Just combine the basic ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, vanilla extract – and bake in a bundt pan. It’s perfect for both eating as is or for decorating with frosting.
2. Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
If you’re a fan of Hershey’s chocolate, then this recipe is a must-try. It combines the classic Hershey’s cocoa powder with other simple ingredients to create a moist and delicious chocolate cake. Frost it with your favorite frosting, or enjoy it plain. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
3. Three-Layered Strawberry Cake
If you’re looking for something a little fruity, this three-layered strawberry cake is the perfect option. Made with fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla, this cake is light and refreshing. Fill it with strawberry jam and frost it with a fluffy cream cheese frosting for a truly decadent treat.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to cake baking. Experiment with different flavors, frosting variations, and decoration techniques to create your own unique masterpiece. And remember, practice makes perfect!
If you have any questions about cake baking or need help troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking!
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed to make an easy chocolate cake?
To make an easy chocolate cake, you will need the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and boiling water.
What is Hershey’s “perfectly chocolate” Chocolate Cake recipe?
Hershey’s “perfectly chocolate” Chocolate Cake recipe is a popular chocolate cake recipe that uses Hershey’s cocoa powder to create a rich and moist chocolate cake. The ingredients for this recipe include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
What are some easy chocolate cake decorations?
Some easy chocolate cake decorations include chocolate shavings, sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, fresh fruit, and edible flowers. These decorations can be used to add a touch of elegance or personalization to your chocolate cake.
How do you make chocolate frosting for a cake?
To make chocolate frosting for a cake, you will need the following ingredients: unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. First, melt the butter and stir in the cocoa powder. Then, alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. The frosting can be spread onto the cake once it has cooled.
Can I freeze the chocolate cake?
Yes, you can freeze the chocolate cake. To freeze, make sure the cake has completely cooled and is plastic-wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
