Chocolate Cake

A chocolate cake is a classic dessert loved by many. Here’s a basic recipe for a delicious homemade chocolate cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 1 cup (175g) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. The batter will be thick.
4. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter becomes smooth. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one of the cakes on a serving plate.
2. If you made the chocolate ganache, you can spread a layer of it over the first cake layer before adding the second cake layer on top.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with your choice of frosting, whether it’s buttercream, cream cheese, or the chocolate ganache.
4. Decorate the cake as desired, such as with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
5. Slice and serve your delicious homemade chocolate cake.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake! It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert.