This homemade chocolate cake is made with cocoa powder, vegetable oil and a cup of boiling water stirred in at the end. The batter turns out thin, which helps give a moist cake. Bake it in two 9-inch pans and top it with ganache, cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To make a homemade chocolate cake, you’ll need the following:

1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 large eggs
1 cup of whole milk
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 cup of boiling water

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
Incorporate Boiling Water:
- Stir in the boiling water carefully. The batter will be thin, but this helps create a moist cake.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (serving 12):

Calories: 250-300
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 300-400mg
Sugar: 25g

Tips for Customization

Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour and substitute sugar with honey or a natural sweetener.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk with almond or coconut milk.
Extra Moistness: Add a tablespoon of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Frosting Ideas: Top with chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream for added decadence.

Chocolate cake is a timeless dessert that is simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or a weekend treat, this homemade chocolate cake recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavor and soft texture, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Try this chocolate cake recipe today and indulge in a delightful homemade treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my chocolate cake batter so thin?

That is how it should be. Stirring in the boiling water makes a thin batter, and it helps produce a moist cake.

How can I make this chocolate cake dairy-free?

Swap the whole milk for almond or coconut milk.

What frosting goes well with it?

Chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting or whipped cream all work. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before you frost them.

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Chocolate Cake and Its Nutritional Information