Are you craving a rich, decadent chocolate cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This New Zealand-inspired chocolate cake recipe is a delicious blend of simplicity and indulgence, perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be accessible and rewarding, guaranteeing a moist, intensely chocolatey cake that will impress your family and friends. It's the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, especially if you're looking for a delightful dessert to complete a healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) caster 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 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- 1 cup (200ml) heavy cream
- 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures a neat finish.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- 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. Be careful not to overmix.
- 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 cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and creamy. If the ganache is too thick, add a teaspoon of hot water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of ganache.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Substitute the buttermilk with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Get creative with your frosting! Try adding different extracts or even fresh berries.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This delicious homemade chocolate cake is a perfect example of how easy it is to create delicious dishes from simple ingredients. Enjoy this delightful treat with your family and friends! It's sure to become one of your best recipes. It's also a great option for those seeking healthy meals, as portion control can easily make this a satisfying yet manageable dessert.