Classic Chocolate Cake

Classic Chocolate Cake

Introduction:

Chocolate Cake is one of those timeless desserts that everyone loves.

Rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to simple family gatherings.

It’s not just the taste that makes it special, but also the satisfaction of making it from scratch.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious chocolate cake that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

3/4 cup butter

3 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups milk

For the Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting:

12 oz (2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter

1 (8 oz) carton sour cream

4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Before you begin, let the butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter.

Prep the Pans: Lightly grease the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans. Line them with waxed paper, then grease and flour the bottoms and sides. If you prefer, you can use a single 13×9-inch pan instead.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Cream the Butter and Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Gradually add the sugar, beating until well combined. Continue to beat for 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until just combined. Once all ingredients are incorporated, beat the batter on medium-high speed for about 20 seconds to ensure everything is smooth and well mixed.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Fill the Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out with a spatula.

Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. If using a 13×9-inch pan, bake for 35-40 minutes.

Cool: Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans, peel off the waxed paper, and let them cool completely on the racks.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Melt the Chocolate: In a large saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.

Add the Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until well combined.

Beat in the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating with an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Decorate: For added decoration, you can sprinkle chopped chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate candies over the top of the cake.

Conclusion:

This Classic Chocolate Cake is everything you want in a dessert: rich, moist, and deeply flavorful.

The combination of the tender cake layers with the creamy, slightly tangy chocolate sour cream frosting is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this chocolate cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tastes it. Enjoy each decadent bite!