Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake
The Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert with a rich, moist texture and deep chocolate flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion, delivering a nostalgic taste that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a timeless favorite for chocolate lovers.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth. Slowly stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin—don’t worry, that’s the secret to a moist cake.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with the milk. Mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
For an extra depth of flavor, substitute the boiling water with hot coffee. It won’t make the cake taste like coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate flavor beautifully. I find that this small tweak can really elevate the cake.