Are you craving a rich, moist chocolate cake that'll impress your family and friends? Look no further! This recipe for a classic chocolate cake with a luscious cream cheese icing is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It's easier than you think to make this delicious dessert at home, transforming your kitchen into a bakery in no time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion – from birthdays to cozy nights in. Get ready to enjoy a truly heavenly treat!
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Baking the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and release easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Coffee Infusion: Gradually pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor immensely.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Icing:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer makes this step quick and easy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake:
- Frosting Time: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese icing.
- Top Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
- Chill (Optional): For a firmer icing, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor: Use dark cocoa powder.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with other frostings like chocolate ganache or a simple buttercream.
- Layer with fruit: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between the cake layers for a delicious twist.
- Make it a cupcake: Use a muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 450-500 Fat: 25-30g Sugar: 50-60g Protein: 5-7g
This decadent chocolate cake with cream cheese icing is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy this easy and delicious homemade recipe! Remember to share your baking creations with us! Happy baking!