chocolate cake
**Ingredients:**
– 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
**For the frosting:**
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 1/3 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
4. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
11. Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any desired toppings.
12. Slice and serve! Enjoy your delicious chocolate cake!
**Benefits:**
– Cocoa powder contains antioxidants that are good for heart health.
– This cake can be a mood booster due to the pleasure of indulging in chocolate.
– It can be a great dessert option for celebrations or gatherings.
**History:**
– Chocolate cake has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations appearing in different cultures. The modern chocolate cake as we know it today has evolved over time, with recipes becoming more refined and ingredients more readily available.
**Additional Tip:**
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers before frosting. To make the ganache, simply heat 1 cup of heavy cream until it just begins to boil, then pour it over 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before spreading it onto the bottom cake layer. Top with the second cake layer and continue frosting as usual. This adds an extra layer of rich, velvety chocolate goodness to your cake!
Enjoy the added richness and depth of flavor that the chocolate ganache brings to your delicious chocolate cake!
Enjoy baking and indulging in this decadent treat!