How To Bake the Perfect Chocolate Cake

To bake the perfect chocolate cake, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Don't forget 1 cup of boiling water for a moist cake.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly. While your oven is preheating, you can prepare your cake pans.

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined and free of lumps.

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix until everything is well combined.

Slowly stir in the boiling water. This will make the batter very thin, which is normal. The hot water helps to activate the cocoa powder and results in a moist cake.

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure all the batter is used.

Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare your frosting. A simple chocolate buttercream can be made by beating together 1 cup of softened butter, 3-4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of milk until smooth.

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Get creative with decorations! You can add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries on top of the cake for a finishing touch.

Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake with friends and family!

If you have any leftovers, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.