Opinon on chcolate cake? [ and how to make one]
As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences or opinions. However, I understand that chocolate cake is a popular dessert loved by many for its rich and indulgent flavor.
To make a chocolate cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 and 1/4 cups (300g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 and 1/2 cups (540g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. Slowly mix in the boiling water until fully incorporated. The batter should be thin and smooth.
5. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until fully combined.
3. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture and beat until smooth and fluffy.
To assemble the cake:
1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops of each layer with a serrated knife or cake leveler, if necessary.
2. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate, then spread a generous amount of frosting on top using an offset spatula.
3. Place the second layer on top and press it slightly to adhere the layers together.
4. Apply a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake as a crumb coat, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
5. After the crumb coat has set, frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
6. Feel free to get creative with your decorations, such as piping, sprinkling with chocolate shavings, or topping with berries.
7. Enjoy your delicious chocolate cake!