Basic Chocolate Cake Recipe

Here’s a simple Basic Chocolate Cake recipe that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a richer flavor)

For the Frosting (optional):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk (more if needed)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or one 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. The batter will be thick.
5. Slowly pour in the boiling water (or hot coffee) and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 9×13 pan). Test with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if necessary to get a spreadable consistency.
3. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the cakes with the frosting and enjoy!

This basic chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or just a chocolate craving!