A simple recipe for a classic chocolate cake with optional chocolate frosting and decorations.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4cupsall-purpose flour
- 1 1/2cupsgranulated sugar
- 2tspbaking powder
- 1tspsalt
- 1cupunsweetened cocoa powder
- 1cupwhole milk
- 2piecelarge eggs
- 1tspvanilla extract
Optional
- 1cupchocolate chips
- 1tbspunsalted butter
- chopped nuts
- chocolate shavings
- fresh fruit
How to make Classic Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Stir until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the optional chocolate frosting, melt chocolate chips with unsalted butter in a double boiler. Spread or pipe onto the cooled cake.
Add your favorite toppings, such as chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Great tip! Overmixing can be a common mistake when making cakes, and it can lead to a dense and tough final product. To avoid this, it's essential to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined. This helps preserve the delicate structure of the batter and ensures a light and fluffy cake.
Here are some signs of overmixing to watch out for:
- A thick, stiff batter that's difficult to pour
- A cake that's dense and heavy
- A cake that's tough or chewy
To avoid overmixing, try the following:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated
- Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined
- Don't overbeat or over-whisk the batter
By following these tips, you'll be on your way to making a light, fluffy, and delicious cake!
