ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

Name: Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 20-24
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter; 2 cups (402 g) sugar; 4 eggs; 1.7 cups (410 ml) boiling water or hot coffee; 1 cup (100 g) cocoa powder; 2.5 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder

Cake

Mar 30

Written By Sasha Nary

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Craving a chocolate cake that’s rich, moist, and utterly divine? Look no further—this recipe is your ticket to chocolate cake perfection! Imagine a cake that’s not just good but absolutely unforgettable, with a deep, indulgent cocoa flavor and a light, airy texture that will leave you and your guests craving more.

Fancy this ➡️ layers of luxurious chocolate bliss that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence, this cake delivers on all fronts. It’s the ultimate dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make. From parties to quiet moments of self-care, this chocolate cake is set to become your new go-to recipe for every sweet craving!

Reasons to Love This Chocolate Cake

Decadent Flavor: Imagine a chocolate cake that’s every chocolate lover’s ultimate fantasy! The secret? A luscious blend of rich cocoa powder and hot coffee (or water) that elevates the chocolate flavor to extraordinary heights. Each bite is a heavenly explosion of chocolate goodness that you’ll crave again and again.
Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to the magic of the hot liquid, this cake boasts an irresistibly moist and airy texture. It’s the ideal balance of rich, deep chocolate and light, fluffy perfection—making every forkful a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Versatile and Easy: Whether you're preparing for a grand celebration or just enjoying a casual treat, this cake is your versatile kitchen hero. It’s the perfect canvas for any frosting or decoration you have in mind, blending seamlessly into any occasion with its scrumptious simplicity and adaptability.

Tools and Equipment

Stand Mixer: Your go-to helper for whipping butter and sugar into a light, fluffy dream.
Cake Pans: Use 9-inch round pans, greased and prepped for your batter.
Cooling Rack: Crucial for cooling your cake evenly and keeping that dreaded soggy bottom at bay.
Sifter: For smooth, clump-free flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
Spatula: Perfect for mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Toothpick: The classic tool for checking if your cake is baked to perfection.

Ingredients

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
2 cups (402 g) sugar
4 eggs
1.7 cups (410 ml) boiling water or hot coffee
1 cup (100 g) cocoa powder
2.5 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Sift your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
Boil water or prepare a strong hot coffee. Pour your hot water (or coffee) onto your cocoa and mix together until cocoa dissolves completely. Set aside to cool slightly.
Cream your butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 8-10 minutes.
Add your eggs to your sugar mixture, one at a time, and continue whisking at low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add your dry ingredients alternatively with your warm water/cocoa or water/coffee mixture. Begin by adding dry, then alternate with wet. Add dry in four parts, and wet in three.
Spray your pans with baking spray and fill with batter. Tap them on the table to knock out the air.
Bake at 350 F for 35-40 m or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 min before removing from the tin onto a wire cooling rack.

Tips for Success

Prepare Your Ingredients: Have your hot coffee or water ready before you start. This helps achieve that perfect cake texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Check Doneness Early: Start checking a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

Troubleshooting Tips

Batter Too Thick?: If your batter seems too thick, add a splash more hot water or coffee to loosen it up.
Cake Sticking?: Ensure your pans are well-greased and floured. Let the cakes cool slightly before removing them.
Uneven Baking?: Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even results.

Variations

Mint Chocolate Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty twist.
Espresso Chocolate Cake: Substitute some of the hot water with a strong shot of espresso for a coffee-forward flavor.
Spicy Chocolate Cake: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Storing and Serving

Storing: Wrap cooled cakes in cling film and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving: Let the cake come to room temperature before serving. It’s fabulous on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

More Decorating Ideas

Classic Buttercream: Frost with your favorite chocolate or vanilla buttercream for a timeless look.
Ganache Drizzle: Pour a rich chocolate ganache over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Coffee: A bold cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the deep chocolate flavors.
Milk: Classic and comforting, a glass of cold milk is always a great choice with chocolate cake.
Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Fun Trivia

Did you know that the combination of chocolate and coffee has been a beloved pairing for centuries? Coffee enhances the richness of chocolate, making this cake a timeless treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!