Are you craving a rich, intensely chocolatey cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This decadent chocolate cake recipe, featuring the magic of condensed milk, is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy baking times; this recipe delivers a moist, delicious cake perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a celebratory dessert. It's one of the best recipes for a homemade chocolate cake you'll ever find!
This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a satisfying and healthy meal option that doesn't compromise on taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably simple yet delicious chocolate cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers will release easily.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to avoid pockets of unmixed powder.
- Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin – this is perfectly normal.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Frosting:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the cakes to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let it Cool: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different Frosting: Try a cream cheese frosting or a peanut butter frosting for a unique twist.
- Layer with Fruit: Add a layer of fresh berries or sliced bananas between the cake layers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 60-70g
- Protein: 4-5g
Enjoy your deliciously easy and decadent chocolate cake! This recipe is a keeper, perfect for any occasion and skill level. It's a truly wonderful example of delicious dishes made easy. This is one of the best recipes for a homemade treat you'll ever try!