Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (at room temperature)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water (or hot coffee for enhanced flavor)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until smooth, but avoid overmixing.

5. Add boiling water: Slowly pour the boiling water (or coffee) into the batter. The batter will be thin, but this will help create a moist cake.

6. Pour batter into pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

7. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

8. Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Frosting:

1. Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt while beating at low speed.

3. Add vanilla and milk: Pour in the vanilla extract and milk. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If it's too thick, add a bit more milk; if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.

2. Frost the first layer: Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer.

3. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake.

4. Decorate as desired and serve!

Baking Tips:

• Ensure the cake pans are well-greased to avoid sticking.
• Don't open the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid causing the cake to sink.
• Use an oven thermometer if possible to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature.
• Start checking the cake for doneness at 30 minutes. A cake that's overbaked will be dry.