Certainly! Here’s a classic chocolate cake recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Add Boiling Water: Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing well. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour over Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and well combined.
- Cool: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before using.
Assemble:
- Level Cakes (Optional): If desired, level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife.
- Spread Ganache: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost Entire Cake (Optional): Frost the entire cake with ganache or your favorite chocolate frosting.
- Decorate (Optional): Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any other decorations you prefer.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cake!
Feel free to get creative with the frosting and decorations, and remember that this cake is a wonderful base for various fillings and toppings.