Rich Chocolate Cake with Glossy Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Garnish:
Dark chocolate chunks (about 1/2 cup)
Chocolate shavings (optional, for extra texture)
Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Chocolate bars (optional, for decoration)
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to combine the ingredients.
Incorporate the boiling water: Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing well. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and will result in 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 into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then stir until fully incorporated.
Frost the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and apply a generous layer of frosting on the top and sides, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Garnish and Serve:
Add the chocolate garnish: Scatter dark chocolate chunks and chocolate shavings over the top of the frosted cake. For an extra touch, you can place pieces of chocolate bars around the base of the cake.
Finish with cocoa powder: Lightly dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for a rustic, elegant finish.
Serve: Slice and enjoy the rich, indulgent layers of moist chocolate cake with its glossy, velvety frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a decadent treat!
This recipe results in a wonderfully moist and rich chocolate cake, topped with a silky frosting and garnished with chunks of chocolate and shavings for extra texture. It’s the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion