Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Glossy Chocolate Frosting

Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Glossy Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk (more if needed)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar and mix until combined.
• Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
• Gradually stir in the boiling water or hot coffee (the batter will be thin, but that’s okay).
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Add the cocoa powder and beat until combined.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk. Beat on low speed until combined, then on high speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
• Use a spatula to create swirls on the top for a decorative finish.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and enjoy this decadent chocolate cake with friends and family!

Let me know if you need any more details or variations!