Description
- Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps retain moisture.
- Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Boiling Water or Hot Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate taste and ensures a moist texture.
Decadent Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mixing the Batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Hot Liquid: Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water or hot coffee. The batter will be thin, but this step ensures a moist and tender cake.
Baking
- Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. 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 their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Decadent Chocolate Frosting
Directions
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed to prevent a powdery mess.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Assembling the Cake
- Level the Cakes: If the cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them for even stacking.
- Frost Between Layers: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer.
- Frost the Top and Sides: Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Optional Decoration: For an extra touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top, or add a drizzle of chocolate ganache.