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
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 2 x 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans
- Wire Rack
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (to melt chocolate)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups 220g plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1 ½ cups 300g caster sugar
- ¾ cup 75g high-quality cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda baking soda
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups 450g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups 480g sour cream
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup 115g high-quality dark chocolate, melted
- 3 cups 360g powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup
- Sugar flowers optional, for decoration
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda. Stir in the caster sugar.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using an electric mixer on low speed until fully combined and smooth.
Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Melt the dark chocolate and allow it to cool slightly. Beat the butter until light and fluffy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, golden syrup, and melted chocolate until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble and Decorate:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides. Decorate with sugar flowers if desired.
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.