A chocolate cake is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate. Rich, moist, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor, this classic treat is loved by kids and adults alike. Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or just because, a slice of homemade chocolate cake brings comfort and joy to the table. Today, I’ll walk you through an easy, foolproof recipe that even beginners can master. So, tie on your apron, and let’s bake a chocolate cake that will become your go-to for every sweet craving.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at what to expect from this recipe:
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Calories | Approx. 360 per slice |
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure your kitchen is ready. Having the right tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Mixing bowls – One large and one medium for mixing wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – To ensure a smooth batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking.
- Spatula – For scraping the sides and folding in ingredients gently.
- Sieve – To sift the flour and cocoa powder to avoid lumps.
- 8-inch round cake pans (2) – For a layered cake. Grease and line with parchment paper.
- Wire rack – To cool the cake evenly after baking.
- Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
- Toothpick or skewer – For doneness testing.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this moist chocolate cake from scratch:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra richness
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake your chocolate cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Add boiling water: Gradually pour it in while mixing. The batter will be thin—that’s okay!
- Pour and bake: Divide batter between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes rest for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost and serve: Use your favorite chocolate frosting and enjoy!
Essential Note:
Boiling water is key—it “blooms” the cocoa, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor. Don’t skip this step. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you add water, or the cake may turn dense instead of fluffy.
