Are you ready to dive headfirst into chocolate heaven? Then look no further! This seven-layer chocolate cake recipe is the ultimate indulgence – a rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make. Forget those boxed mixes; this homemade treat is the perfect showstopper for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a Tuesday night craving. It’s a delicious dish perfect for quick dinner ideas or satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share this with!
Ingredients:
For the 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 Chocolate 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
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers release easily.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mix forms the base of our delicious cake.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients will be gently incorporated into the dry mix.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle!
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Gradually add the hot coffee to the batter, mixing until smooth. The coffee adds incredible moisture and deepens the chocolate flavor.
Baking the Cake Layers
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans. This will ensure even baking and consistent cake layers.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on your cakes to avoid overbaking.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is crucial for easy frosting.
Making the Delicious Chocolate Frosting
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This is key to a smooth and creamy frosting.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating on low speed until combined. Then increase the speed and beat until light and fluffy. Don't rush this step – the more you beat, the smoother your frosting will be!
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Seven Layer Chocolate Cake
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Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
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Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
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You can get creative here! Add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries for extra flair. This is your chance to personalize your masterpiece!
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Make sure your butter is softened for the creamiest frosting.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use different types of milk in the frosting, like almond milk or oat milk, for a unique twist.
- Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. It's best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values. However, expect this to be a relatively high-calorie dessert due to the richness of the ingredients. Enjoy in moderation!
This seven-layer chocolate cake is a fantastic recipe for easy recipes and healthy meals – it’s an excellent choice for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious dish and happy baking!