Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake is a chocolate lover's dream come true. With a rich, moist interior and a delightful swirl of frosting on top, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any day you want to treat yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

All-purpose flour gives the cake structure, balancing out the moisture from the other ingredients. Granulated sugar sweetens and adds moisture to the cake. Unsweetened cocoa powder is the star here, providing that deep chocolate flavor we crave. Baking powder and baking soda work together to help the cake rise properly. Salt enhances all the flavors, making sure the sweetness and chocolate stand out.

Eggs add richness and bind everything together. Whole milk adds moisture and richness, while vegetable oil keeps the cake tender and moist. Vanilla extract adds a subtle background flavor that complements the chocolate. Boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa, deepening its flavor.

For the frosting, unsalted butter provides a creamy base. Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting, while a touch of vanilla extract adds flavor. Cocoa powder and heavy cream transform half of the frosting into a rich chocolate delight.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
  • To prevent domed cakes, try using cake strips around the pans; they help the cake bake evenly.
  • If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • To make slicing easier, refrigerate the cake for about an hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh berries on top for a pop of color and flavor. A glass of cold milk or a mellow cup of tea makes a delightful companion to this rich dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour for a lighter texture, but avoid self-rising flour as it contains leavening agents.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, although the frosting will be slightly less rich.

Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cakes bake evenly and don't stick to the pans.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that everything is well-distributed before you add the wet ingredients.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mix. Beat everything together on medium speed for about two minutes. This helps incorporate air, giving your cake a light texture.

Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be quite thin, but that's what makes the cake moist and luscious.

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from overcooking and drying out.

While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well to avoid lumps.

Divide the frosting in half. To one half, add vanilla extract. To the other, add cocoa powder and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of the chocolate frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake layer on top.

Finally, swirl the vanilla and chocolate frostings together on top of the cake, creating a marbled effect. This gives the cake a visually stunning finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and rich chocolate flavor that satisfies even the strongest chocolate cravings.
  • Easy-to-follow recipe with a sophisticated finish, perfect for impressing guests.
  • Combines both chocolate and vanilla frosting for a beautiful marbled effect.
  • Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
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
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp heavy cream

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
8. Divide the frosting in half; add vanilla extract to one half and cocoa powder with heavy cream to the other.
9. On the cooled cakes, spread a layer of chocolate frosting on one cake, then top with the second cake layer.
10. Swirl the vanilla and chocolate frosting on top of the cake, creating a marbled effect.

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