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Chocolate Cake

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Indulge in the ultimate chocolate cake — a rich, moist, and decadent dessert perfect for any celebration. This easy chocolate cake recipe uses pantry staples to deliver bakery-style results with deep cocoa flavor and customizable variations for every diet. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet craving, this chocolate cake is your go-to treat.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup boiling water

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Buttercream or ganache for frosting

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  • In another bowl, whisk milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

  • Gradually combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients; mix until just combined.

  • Stir in boiling water carefully — the batter will be thin.

  • Fold in chocolate chips if using.

  • Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.

  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes; then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

  • Frost with buttercream or ganache once cooled.

Notes

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Vegan Variation: Use plant-based milk, flax/chia eggs, and vegan frosting.

Add-ins: Nuts, dried fruits, or extracts like peppermint or almond add a fun twist.

Frosting Ideas: Try cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or fruit preserves.

Storage: Store at room temp for 3 days, fridge up to 1 week.

Freezing: Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic; freeze up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/chocolate-cake/