Chocolate cake is one of the most iconic desserts out there. It is loved for its moist texture, rich flavor, and versatility. It is not only perfect for birthday parties or special occasions, but it can be a go-to treat for an ordinary weeknight meal. With the right recipe, anyone can create a beautiful and decadent chocolate cake. In honor of National Chocolate Cake Day, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes for the most mouth-watering chocolate cakes around.
A classic chocolate cake is made with a combination of sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and milk. The ingredients are mixed together to form a batter, which is then baked in an oven until it is done and cooled. While the cake is cooling, it can be frosted with a variety of frostings. This includes the traditional vanilla frosting, as well as more modern recipes like Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache.
The history of the chocolate cake is long and varied. While some believe it was invented in the 17th century, the first known chocolate cake recipe was published in 1847 by Eliza Leslie in her cookbook The Lady’s Receipt Book. The recipe was slightly different than what we know today, as it called for chopped chocolate rather than melted.
When making this classic cake, it is important to use the highest quality ingredients you can afford. This will ensure that the finished cake is as delicious as possible and has a lovely crumb. The most common ingredients include all-purpose flour, unsweetened natural cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Using premium chocolate will also help to achieve the best flavor and texture.
A high-quality oil, such as coconut or vegetable, will also give the cake a moist and light crumb. Adding boiling water to the batter is another pro technique that many bakers use to add moisture. However, you should be careful to not overdo this as it can cause the cake to dry out.
It is also important to make sure that the oven is properly preheated and that the baking time is accurate. The temperature of the oven, pans used, and altitude will all impact how long the cake should bake. For this reason, we recommend testing for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the cake.
Depending on the frosting, this cake can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen, though we advise wrapping the completely cooled cake layers in several layers of plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw, simply let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
