Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake                                 

 Ingredients:

For the cake:

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

For the chocolate frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is well combined.

• Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that's okay; it will make the cake moist.

• 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.

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the chocolate frosting:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.

• Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the butter. Mix on low speed until the sugar and cocoa are incorporated, then increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes.

• Gradually add the milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract while continuing to beat. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

To assemble the cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate.

• Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top of the first cake layer.

• Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer.

• Use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.

• You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or any other decorations of your choice.

• Let the cake sit for a little while to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake!

Remember that baking times and results might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cakes as they bake and perform the toothpick test to determine when they're done.