Decadent Chocolate Cake with Glossy Chocolate Frosting

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Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this Rich Chocolate Cake—a moist, tender crumb paired with a silky, glossy chocolate frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake is deeply flavorful yet surprisingly easy to make.

The secret to its luxurious texture? Boiling water, which enhances the cocoa’s richness and ensures an ultra-moist bite. Paired with a velvety frosting that spreads like a dream, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers professional results every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  1. Whisk in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin—this is normal!).

Step 4: Bake

  1. Divide batter evenly between pans.
  2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

  1. Beat butter until creamy.
  2. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Whip for 3–4 minutes until glossy and spreadable.

Step 6: Assemble

  1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread with 1/3 of the frosting.
  2. Top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
  • Sifting Cocoa: Eliminates lumps for a velvety texture.
  • Thin Batter: Don’t worry—the water creates steam for a moist crumb.
  • Frosting Consistency: Add 1–2 tbsp more milk if too thick, or extra powdered sugar if too thin.

Serving Suggestions

🍓 Garnish: Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers.
☕ Pairing: Serve with coffee, vanilla ice cream, or a glass of cold milk.

Conclusion

This Rich Chocolate Cake is a showstopper—intensely chocolatey, impossibly moist, and crowned with a frosting so glossy it rivals any bakery’s. Simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for celebrations, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ready to bake? Preheat that oven and prepare for chocolate perfection!

Variation: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the batter for deeper flavor, or fold chocolate chips into the frosting for texture.

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