Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water or hot coffee
For the frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup (55g) cocoa powder
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup (80ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inch) or 1 large pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pans
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your cake pans and lightly dust them with flour or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures even mixing.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add hot liquid
Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin, which is normal and helps create a moist cake.
Step 5: Pour and bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Step 6: Cool the cakes
Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Instructions
Step 1: Cream the butter
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add cocoa powder
Mix in the cocoa powder until fully combined.
Step 3: Add sugar and milk
Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two, while beating continuously. This helps achieve a smooth texture.
Step 4: Add vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Assembling the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate or stand. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top. Place the second layer over it and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Smooth it using a spatula.
Tips for Best Results
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the hot liquid.
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but does not make the cake taste like coffee.
Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it moist.
If you want, I can also provide variations like eggless chocolate cake, sponge-style cake, or a bakery-style rich version.
