If you're on a quest for the perfect chocolate cake, look no further! This Traditional Chocolate Delight is rich, moist, and oh-so-chocolaty. It's a timeless classic that brings smiles at every occasion, whether it's a birthday, a dinner party, or just because you need a chocolate fix.
All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cake, providing the necessary base to hold everything together. Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also helps to lock in moisture, giving you that tender bite. Unsweetened cocoa powder is where the rich chocolate flavor comes from, so make sure it's good quality. Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the cake rise, giving it that light, fluffy texture. A touch of salt enhances the flavors, balancing out the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate. Eggs add richness and help bind the cake together. Whole milk adds moisture and contributes to the cake's tender texture. Vegetable oil keeps the cake super moist and soft. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Finally, boiling water blooms the cocoa, deepening the chocolate flavor and ensuring a smooth batter.
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a touch of elegance, consider serving it with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. It's the perfect dessert after a hearty meal, especially when paired with a glass of red wine.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep your pans by greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help the cakes release easily once they're baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good whisk to ensure they're evenly distributed.
Next, add in the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, blend everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes until you have a smooth, well-combined batter.
Now, carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be quite thin, but that's exactly what you want — it ensures a moist cake.
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for achieving the right texture.