Easy Chocolate Cake
There’s something truly magical about a homemade cake, and Easy Chocolate Cake is no exception. Growing up, my childhood memories are filled with the rich aroma of chocolate wafting through the kitchen. It was a special occasion cake, always there to celebrate birthdays and gatherings. I remember the excitement of watching my mom mix batter, her laughter filling the room as we eagerly awaited dessert. This cake isn’t just about flavor; it’s a vessel of memories and joy, bringing family and friends together around the table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Easy Chocolate Cake is a recipe anyone can master and share. Whether you have a celebration coming up or just a craving for something sweet, this cake will not disappoint. It’s moist, rich, and draped in luscious chocolate ganache that will make anyone’s day a little brighter. The beauty of this cake is not just in its taste; it lies in the love and memories baked right into it.
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
20 mins
30 mins
Medium
350 kcal
5 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
16 g
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Saucepan, Whisk, Blender, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Oven
Why This Easy Chocolate Cake Is a Winner
Unmatched Flavor
The taste of Easy Chocolate Cake is simply divine. Each bite is a delightful blend of rich cocoa and velvety texture, making it the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. The combination of ingredients creates a cake that’s both moist and fluffy, ensuring that every slice is as enjoyable as the last.
Simplicity at Its Best
This recipe shines in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this cake in no time. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Perfect for Any Occasion
From birthday parties to casual family dinners, Easy Chocolate Cake fits right in. Its elegant appearance adorned with ganache makes it suitable for formal occasions, while its comforting flavors make it a perfect everyday dessert.
Customizable and Versatile
This cake is incredibly versatile; you can easily modify it to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add nuts, fruit, or a different frosting, the possibilities are endless. You can even transform it into cupcakes for a fun variation!
Impressive Yet Easy
Even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results with this cake. The straightforward instructions make it easy to follow, so you can impress your guests without the stress of complicated baking techniques.
Recipe Ingredients for Easy Chocolate Cake
When it comes to baking Easy Chocolate Cake, using the right ingredients is essential for achieving that perfectly delicious result. Each component plays a vital role in creating a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistible. The key players include all-purpose flour for structure, granulated sugar for sweetness, and Dutch process cocoa powder that gives our cake its deep chocolate flavor. With a combination of dry and wet ingredients, we create a batter that will rise beautifully in the oven.
- Flour: 1 cup (142g) of all-purpose flour gives structure to the cake. Be sure to scoop and level it for accurate measurement.
- Sugar: 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture, helping to create that fluffy texture we all love.
- Cocoa powder: 6 tablespoons (35g) of Dutch process cocoa powder brings an intense chocolate flavor, plus some extra for dusting the pan.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda works as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake, balancing the sweetness.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup of buttermilk adds acidity, which reacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup of vegetable oil makes the cake moist and rich without adding a strong flavor.
- Vanilla: 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: 6 ounces of finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate is used for the ganache, providing a luscious topping.
- Heavy cream: 3/4 cup of heavy cream is heated for the ganache, adding a creamy texture that complements the chocolate.
Easy Chocolate Cake Instructions
Making Easy Chocolate Cake is a delightful experience that brings the warmth of home baking to your kitchen. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll create a cake that’s not only delicious but also a joy to prepare. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9 by 9 or 8 by 8-inch baking dish. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray and dust it with a little cocoa powder, shaking out any excess. This will help the cake release easily once baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is the base of your cake. Whisking helps to aerate the ingredients, ensuring even distribution of the baking soda and salt.
- Next, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs to the bowl. Using a whisk, mix these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they are very well blended. This should take about one minute, and you should expect a smooth batter.
- Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Ensure it’s spread evenly; you can give the dish a gentle shake to level it out. The batter should fill the dish about halfway up.
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake. You’ll want to check the cake after about 27 to 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
- After baking, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is vital to ensure that the ganache sets perfectly on top without melting.
- While the cake cools, let’s prepare the ganache. Start by placing the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a medium heat-proof mixing bowl. This will be the base of our delicious frosting.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil. As soon as you see steam, remove it from the heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Allow it to sit for a minute before gently stirring with a rubber spatula until melted and smooth. The heat from the cream will melt the chocolate beautifully.
- Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once the cake is cool and the ganache is at the right consistency, pour it over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Finally, slice and serve your delicious creation!
Things Worth Knowing
- Let the cake cool: Ensuring your cake cools completely before frosting is essential to prevent the ganache from melting.
- Check doneness: Always test your cake with a toothpick. It should come out clean, indicating it’s baked thoroughly.
- Ingredient temperature: For best results, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
- Storing ganache: If not using immediately, ganache can be stored in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to use.
Helpful Hints
Baking Easy Chocolate Cake can be a rewarding process, so here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Storage: To store leftovers, place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
- Flavor variations: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Serving size: Cut the cake into smaller pieces for serving at gatherings, making it easier for guests to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Easy Chocolate Cake, the options are plentiful, and each choice enhances your experience. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Ice Cream: Serve slices of cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a comforting dessert.
- Fruit Compote: A dollop of berry compote adds a fresh, tart flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate.
- Coffee Pairing: Enjoy this cake with a cup of coffee or espresso; the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Birthday Celebrations: This cake is perfect for birthdays! Decorate with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Seasonal Occasions: Great for any gathering, from cozy family dinners to holiday celebrations, this cake adapts to every occasion.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, it keeps well for a few days, covered in a cool place or in the fridge.
FAQ
Conclusion
Easy Chocolate Cake stands out with its rich flavor and simple preparation, making it a beloved dessert for many. The moist texture and delicious ganache topping are sure to please anyone’s palate. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself. Baking this cake will fill your home with delightful aromas and create wonderful memories!
Easy Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Blender
- Baking Sheet
- Food Processor
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 6 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 2 large Eggs
- 6 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9 by 9 or 8 by 8-inch baking dish. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray and dust it with a little cocoa powder, shaking out any excess. This will help the cake release easily once baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is the base of your cake. Whisking helps to aerate the ingredients, ensuring even distribution of the baking soda and salt.
- Next, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla, and eggs to the bowl. Using a whisk, mix these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they are very well blended. This should take about one minute, and you should expect a smooth batter.
- Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Ensure it's spread evenly; you can give the dish a gentle shake to level it out. The batter should fill the dish about halfway up.
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake. You’ll want to check the cake after about 27 to 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
- After baking, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is vital to ensure that the ganache sets perfectly on top without melting.
- While the cake cools, let’s prepare the ganache. Start by placing the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a medium heat-proof mixing bowl. This will be the base of our delicious frosting.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil. As soon as you see steam, remove it from the heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Allow it to sit for a minute before gently stirring with a rubber spatula until melted and smooth. The heat from the cream will melt the chocolate beautifully.
- Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once the cake is cool and the ganache is at the right consistency, pour it over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Finally, slice and serve your delicious creation!
Notes
- If you want ganache fluffier you can beat it with an electric mixer or by hand to whip it up.
- Another delicious frosting for this cake is chocolate buttercream.
