Are you craving a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the classic Duncan Hines taste we all know and love, offering a homemade version that's perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a special birthday celebration. This recipe offers a quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights, and it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's also a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with simple, readily available ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 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 Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily from the pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
Baking the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your cakes.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Decadent Frosting:
- 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.
Assembling Your Masterpiece:
- 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 and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor: Use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a layer cake: Use three 8-inch cake pans for a taller cake.
- Get creative with frosting: Try different frostings like cream cheese frosting or peanut butter frosting. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 400-450
- Fat: Around 20-25g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Around 50-60g
This easy recipe for a delicious chocolate fudge cake is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dessert, and remember to share it with your loved ones! It's the perfect addition to any gathering and sure to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a wonderful example of healthy meals, balancing indulgence with satisfying taste. Enjoy!