Get ready to experience chocolate cake nirvana with Maureen's Basic Chocolate Cake - a recipe so irresistibly moist and rich, it'll make your taste buds dance with pure delight! Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds. Imagine pulling a perfectly baked, deeply chocolatey cake out of the oven, filling your kitchen with an aroma that promises pure indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. Then add the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Slowly pour in the cup of boiling water to the batter. This will thin out the batter, making it easier to mix. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be quite thin.
- Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cakes have cooled, you can frost them with your favorite chocolate frosting or serve them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Slice the cake into 8 equal servings and enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate cake!
Tips
- Always use room temperature eggs and milk for better ingredient integration.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- The boiling water is crucial - it helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates an incredibly moist texture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor.
- Check your cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra richness, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
