Are you craving a rich, intensely chocolatey cake that melts in your mouth? Look no further! This Swiss Chocolate Cake recipe is the perfect blend of easy preparation and incredible flavor, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes; this one delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or a special occasion dessert.
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated 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) freshly brewed hot coffee
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For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This simple step ensures your cake layers release easily.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This thorough mixing 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!
- Gradually pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee adds incredible depth of flavor to this delicious dish.
Baking the Cake:
- 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. Always check for doneness to ensure a perfectly baked cake.
Preparing the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of chocolate frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smoother batter and better frosting consistency.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cooling Completely: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, such as cream cheese frosting or a ganache.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Sugar: Approximately 50g
This Swiss Chocolate Cake recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious food recipes can be both simple and satisfying. It's a perfect homemade cooking project that will impress your friends and family, and it’s a great way to elevate your skills in creating healthy meals and easy recipes. Enjoy!