Craving a decadent treat? Dive into the world of easy chocolate cake recipes with me. This indulgent 2-layer chocolate cake, topped with homemade frosting, is a true winner. Inspired by the classic Hershey’s recipe, I’ve perfected this cake through trial and error, resulting in a moist, rich delight that will leave you craving more.
With just one bowl and a few simple steps, this chocolate cake recipe is a breeze to make. Whether you prefer it gluten-free, dairy-free, or egg-free, this versatile recipe has got you covered. Bite into a slice of this heavenly creation, and you’ll understand why it’s hailed as the best chocolate cake ever. Join me in experiencing the joy of baking and savoring this irresistible chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients List
To create this delectable chocolate cake recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: Ensure correct measurement for a moist cake.
- Granulated sugar: Keeps the cake sweet and moist.
- Brown sugar: Adds richness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Essential for flavor enhancement.
- Cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate taste.
Following these key ingredients will guarantee a moist and indulgent chocolate cake that is bound to impress.
Necessary Equipment
To ensure the success of this easy chocolate cake recipe, you’ll need the following essential equipment:
Baking Tools
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper rounds
- Cooling rack
- Cake stand or serving plate
- Cake carrier for storing
- Bench scraper
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Whisk
- Icing spatula
Having these baking and mixing tools on hand will make the process of creating this decadent chocolate cake a breeze.
Directions for Easy Chocolate Cake
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
To begin making this easy chocolate cake, sift together in a large bowl 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons of Dutch process cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps of brown sugar left.
Mix in the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (or canola oil), 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs. Whisk the wet ingredients until well blended. Slowly pour this mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and beat until everything is well combined.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) while greasing a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray. Dust the pan with a bit of cocoa powder, shaking out any excess. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the pan once baked.
Bake the Cake
Once the batter is thoroughly mixed, pour it into the prepared baking pan. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting and serving.
How to Make Chocolate Frosting
Creating a smooth and decadent chocolate frosting elevates the flavor of the easy chocolate cake to new heights. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect chocolate frosting for your dessert.
Ingredients for Frosting
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 cups of confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar while continuing to mix.
- Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the frosting.
- Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the chocolate frosting reaches a spreadable consistency, it is ready to be generously layered over the cooled chocolate cake.
- Use an icing spatula to evenly frost the top and sides of the cake, creating a luscious finishing touch.
- Store the frosted cake in a cool place to set before serving and delighting in the rich flavors of this irresistible treat.
Assembling the Cake
After baking your luscious chocolate cake layers, it’s time to assemble them into a delightful treat that will leave everyone craving for more. Let’s elevate the cake with a decadent frosting and charming decorations.
Applying Frosting
- Once your cake layers have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spoon a generous amount of the prepared chocolate frosting onto the center of the cake layer.
- Gently spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer using an icing spatula.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake to catch any loose crumbs.
- Chill the cake in the freezer for about 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Remove the cake from the freezer and generously frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Ensure the sides and top are evenly frosted for a professional finish.
- Get creative with decorations by sprinkling chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosted cake.
- Use a piping bag to add decorative swirls or borders with extra frosting around the edges of the cake.
- Fresh berries, edible flowers, or chocolate curls can also be elegant additions to adorn the cake.
- Remember to have fun and personalize your cake with decorations that suit the occasion or your personal taste.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Keep the Cake Fresh
After baking this decadent chocolate cake, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh and moist. To keep the cake fresh, store it at room temperature on the counter. I recommend using a cake dome to help maintain its freshness. This cake can last for several days when stored properly.
Freezing and Thawing Tips
If you want to freeze the cake for later enjoyment, follow these simple steps. Once the cake layers have completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place each layer in a gallon ziptop freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. To thaw the cake, remove it from the freezer and allow it to defrost in the refrigerator with the wrapping intact. Once thawed, you can frost the cake. This freezing method allows you to enjoy a slice of this delicious chocolate cake whenever you crave it.
Optional Variations
Gluten-Free Modifications
For those with gluten restrictions, this chocolate cake recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free by substituting an equal amount of gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour listed in the recipe. The result is a delicious gluten-free chocolate cake that retains all the moistness and decadence of the original.
Vegan Alternatives
To create a vegan version of this chocolate cake, replace the eggs with 2/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each large egg in the recipe. Bake the cake just a few minutes longer if needed. Additionally, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of dairy milk to make this cake a delightful dairy-free and vegan-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a decadent 2-layer chocolate cake recipe that’s a must-try for all chocolate lovers. This moist and rich delight can cater to various dietary needs, from gluten-free to dairy-free and egg-free adaptations. With key ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. The detailed step-by-step directions and tips ensure success in baking this irresistible chocolate indulgence. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice, this recipe allows for personalization and creativity in cake decoration, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Store it properly to keep it fresh for several days, or freeze it for later enjoyment. Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself to the best chocolate cake ever!