Making a chocolate cake from scratch is a delightful experience! Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
**Ingredients:**
For the Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour - 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature - 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 cup (240ml) boiling water For the Chocolate Frosting: - 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 3 and 1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar - 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat your oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients:** Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
4. **Add Boiling Water:** Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
5. **Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. **Cool the Cakes:** 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.
7. **Prepare the Frosting:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
8. **Assemble the Cake:** Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
9. **Decorate (Optional):** You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or additional frosting as desired.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Slice and serve your delicious homemade chocolate cake! It's perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you're craving something sweet.
