Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with a cake so decadent, so irresistibly moist, that it will make every chocolate craving surrender instantly! This isn't just another cake recipe – it's a family treasure passed down through generations, promising to turn any ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration. With its rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor, Mom's Birthday Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring the entire surface is well-coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are well blended and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth with no visible flour streaks.
- Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, stirring gently until it is fully incorporated. The batter will be quite thin, which is normal for this recipe and helps create the cake's fudgy texture.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread it smoothly and tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes - it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn them out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Once cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting and decorate as desired. For best results, let the frosted cake sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Don't overmix the batter – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- The boiling water is crucial! It helps bloom the cocoa and creates that signature fudgy moisture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- For extra moisture, you can brush the layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its incredible softness and prevent drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
