Are you craving a decadent yet comforting dessert? Look no further! This chocolate cake with vanilla frosting recipe is the perfect blend of rich, moist chocolate cake and a light, fluffy vanilla frosting. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. Let's get baking!
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 boiling water
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making 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 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, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Boiling Water: Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – that’s perfectly normal!
- 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 Vanilla Frosting:
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This is key for a smooth frosting!
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor & Finish: Stir in the vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level the Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to carefully level the tops.
- Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top evenly. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate (Optional): Get creative! You can sprinkle chocolate shavings, add fresh berries, or use a piping bag for a more elegant look.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
Variations:
- Chocolate Frosting: Swap the vanilla frosting for your favorite chocolate frosting recipe.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh berries to the cake batter for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient measurements. Generally, expect a moderately high calorie dessert with a good amount of sugar and fat.
This delicious chocolate cake with vanilla frosting recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and savoring this homemade masterpiece! It's a perfect example of delicious dishes made with easy recipes and homemade cooking techniques, ideal for healthy meals or quick dinner ideas to complete your day. Happy baking!