The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Bowl Simplicity: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of oil and boiling water ensures a tender crumb.

• Deep Chocolate Flavor: Enhanced with espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or egg-free diets.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Consistently garners rave reviews from those who try it.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon espresso powder

• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk)

• ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola or melted coconut oil)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350º F (175º C). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them or using a non-stick spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until well combined.

4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully add boiling water to the batter, mixing slowly until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

7. Frost: Once cooled, frost with your favorite chocolate buttercream frosting if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.

• Egg-Free: Replace eggs with ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.

• Oil Alternatives: Melted butter or coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: If frosted, refrigerate to keep the frosting firm, especially in warm climates.

• Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

FAQs

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes, but it may affect the cake's rise due to its neutral pH. Adjust leavening agents accordingly.

What's the purpose of espresso powder?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the layers in advance, wrap them well, and freeze. Thaw before frosting.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Properly grease and flour the pans or use parchment paper liners.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust baking times accordingly. For example, a 9x13-inch pan may require a longer bake time.

Is it okay to omit the espresso powder?

Yes, but the chocolate flavor may be slightly less intense.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes, fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake at 350º F for 18-22 minutes.

What's the best frosting to pair with this cake?

A rich chocolate buttercream complements this cake perfectly, but vanilla or cream cheese frosting also work well.

Conclusion

This chocolate cake recipe is a showstopper that’s easy to prepare and always loved by all who try it. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, it promises moist, decadent results every time. Enjoy!

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