Are you craving a decadent yet surprisingly simple dessert? Look no further! This fruit chocolate cake recipe is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and juicy fruit, creating a symphony of flavors that will impress your family and friends. It's a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a testament to how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be, proving that delicious dishes don't need to be complicated. This is one of the best recipes for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or ease.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup mixed fruit (berries, chopped apples, or peaches work well)
- Chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture forms the base of our delicious cake.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This is where the magic happens; blending the wet ingredients creates a creamy texture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Adding Moisture and Fruit:
- Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. The boiling water helps create a moist and tender crumb.
- Gently fold in the mixed fruit. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Baking and Cooling:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake; oven temperatures can vary.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat finish.
Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, or your cake will be tough.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with different types of fruit – the possibilities are endless!
Variations:
- Add nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles to the batter for extra texture and flavor. This recipe is easily adaptable to your personal preferences.
- Use different types of frosting – cream cheese frosting or a caramel sauce would be delicious alternatives.
- Make mini muffins instead of a large cake for individual servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (varies depending on frosting and fruit used)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 30-40g
This fruit chocolate cake is a perfect example of a healthy balance of flavors and textures. It's a simple recipe that yields delicious results, making it ideal for both quick dinner ideas and special occasions. Enjoy this easy, homemade treat!