Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe: Decadent and Easy to Make!

Craving a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious? Look no further! This homemade chocolate cake is packed with flavor and made with simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is perfect for any moment. Here’s how to create a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake from scratch.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream or plain yogurt

Optional Chocolate Sauce for Decoration:

• 100 grams raw chocolate
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) powdered sugar

Equipment Needed: (Chocolate Cake)

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric whisk or hand mixer
• Oven-safe baking pan (22 cm or 24 cm)
• Parchment paper or oil to grease the pan
• Measuring spoons and scale for accurate measurements
• A spatula or whisk to mix the batter

Step-by-Step Instructions:(Chocolate Cake)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan by greasing it with butter or oil. For extra convenience, you can line the pan with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to avoid any clumps and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy using an electric whisk or hand mixer. Add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the eggs, and continue to whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. The wet ingredients should be uniform in texture, creating a creamy base for your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spoon or whisk to mix them together gently. As you combine the ingredients, the batter will begin to thicken, but don’t worry! It’s supposed to be a little dense at this point.

Step 5: Add Hot Water

Once the batter is well combined, it’s time to add the hot water. Slowly pour it into the batter, mixing gently. This step is crucial—it makes the cake incredibly moist and ensures the cake will have a soft texture once baked. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula for an even finish. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the pan, so make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s time to remove the cake from the oven.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent the cake from becoming soggy or falling apart when you remove it from the pan.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Sauce

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a rich chocolate sauce for decorating (optional). To do this, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the raw chocolate, stirring until it melts completely into a smooth, glossy sauce. If you want the sauce sweeter, add powdered sugar and stir well.

Step 9: Decorate the Cake

Once the cake has fully cooled, it’s time to decorate! Pour the freshly prepared chocolate sauce over the cake and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. For a creative touch, consider adding toppings like chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) or dried fruits (like raisins or berries) to enhance both the look and flavor.

Additional Tips for Perfection: (Chocolate Cake)

• Storage: This cake keeps well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Flavor Variations: For a more unique flavor, you can mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter before baking. Alternatively, adding a touch of coffee or caramel extract will give the cake a warm, indulgent twist.
• Serving Suggestions: This homemade chocolate cake is perfect for any special occasion, like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake:

This homemade chocolate cake is everything you could ask for—rich, decadent, and bursting with chocolate flavor. The texture is light and moist, thanks to the hot water and sour cream, while the optional chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake will be a crowd-pleaser.