Dark chocolate cake delivers pure cocoa comfort with deep Dutch process richness and a splash of bold coffee to intensify every bite. Buttermilk, vanilla, and a hint of almond extract create a tender crumb that feels soft and melt in your mouth. With simple steps, just whisk, pour, and bake, it emerges with a delicate crackly top and a fudgy, dreamy center. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this foolproof cake turns your kitchen into a cozy little patisserie and satisfies every chocolate craving.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Cake
- Indulge in a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Enjoy a simple recipe that’s perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Impress your friends and family with a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Relish the deep, intense chocolate flavor that satisfies every craving.
Dark Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the base of your delicious cake.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Slowly add the boiling water and melted dark chocolate to the batter. Mix until the batter is thin and uniform. It should be a lovely, glossy mixture.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; that’s just how it should be!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache before serving. Enjoy your decadent creation!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your rich and moist Dark Chocolate Cake!
- 2 cups – all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup – unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups – granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons – baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons – baking soda
- 1 teaspoon – salt
- 2 large – eggs
- 1 cup – whole milk
- 1/2 cup – vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons – vanilla extract
- 1 cup – boiling water
- 4 ounces – dark chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
How to Make Dark Chocolate Cake
This delightful Dark Chocolate Cake is perfect for any occasion. With a preparation time of 20 minutes, a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, and a cooling time of about 10 minutes, you’ll have a rich and moist cake ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be the base of your delicious cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water and Chocolate
Slowly add the boiling water and melted dark chocolate to the batter. Mix until the batter is thin and uniform. It should be a lovely, glossy mixture.
Step 6: Divide the Batter
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; that’s just how it should be!
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting or ganache before serving. Enjoy your decadent creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | With chocolate frosting or ganache |
Pro Tips for Making Dark Chocolate Cake
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a tender cake.
- Use brewed coffee instead of water to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for a neater finish.
How to Serve this Dark Chocolate Cake
- Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with homemade chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combo.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
- Enjoy with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Dark Chocolate Cake Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Dark Chocolate Cake
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Dark Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What ingredients do I need to bake a rich and moist dark chocolate cake?
To bake a rich and moist dark chocolate cake, you’ll need all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk (or a non-dairy substitute like almond milk with vinegar), and vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create a deliciously decadent cake that’s sure to impress!
2. How can I make my dark chocolate cake extra moist and fudgy?
To achieve an extra moist and fudgy dark chocolate cake, consider adding an extra egg yolk or using a combination of oil and butter for fat. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like sour cream or yogurt can enhance moisture. Baking the cake just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs will also help maintain that fudgy texture!
3. Can I substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for dark chocolate in cake recipes?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for dark chocolate in cake recipes. For every ounce of dark chocolate, use about 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and add 1 tablespoon of fat (like butter or oil) to maintain the richness. This will help you achieve a similar flavor profile in your cake!
4. What are the best toppings and frostings for a dark chocolate cake?
The best toppings and frostings for a dark chocolate cake include rich chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful contrast. Get creative and choose what you love best!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful Dark Chocolate Cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! Picture yourself savoring each rich, moist bite, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic happen in your kitchen. Enjoy every moment of this sweet adventure!