Dive into the world of rich, moist, and utterly irresistible chocolate with this Juicy Chocolate Cake recipe. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging your chocolate cravings, this cake is easy to make, uses pantry staples, and delivers exceptional results. Every bite combines the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor with a soft, tender texture.
This recipe not only guides you through the steps to create the ultimate chocolate cake but also answers common questions and provides helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 eggs: Adds richness, structure, and a light texture.
- 160 grams sugar (8 tablespoons): Sweetens the cake and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 10 grams vanilla sugar (1.5 teaspoons): Adds a subtle vanilla aroma.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: For a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- 160 ml milk (10 tablespoons): Ensures a moist cake.
- 100 ml vegetable oil (5.6 tablespoons): Keeps the crumb tender and soft.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 170 grams flour (6 tablespoons): Forms the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become airy.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Adds bursts of melty chocolate goodness.
For the Finishing Touch
- Powdered sugar: For an elegant and sweet dusting on top.
- Butter or vegetable oil: For greasing the dish to prevent sticking.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
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Make the Cocoa Milk Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine 160 ml milk, 60 grams sugar (3 tablespoons), 10 grams vanilla sugar (1.5 teaspoons), and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
- Stir until the sugar and cocoa dissolve completely, forming a smooth mixture.
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Beat the Eggs:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and 100 grams sugar (5 tablespoons) using a whisk or hand mixer. Beat for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
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Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add 100 ml vegetable oil to the beaten egg mixture while continuing to mix.
- Slowly pour in the prepared cocoa milk mixture, blending everything until smooth and well-combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
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Sift the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together 170 grams flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
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Grease the Dish:
- Use butter or vegetable oil to grease a 24 cm (9-inch) casserole dish. Greasing prevents the cake from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
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Pour and Garnish:
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
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Bake:
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
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Cool and Dust:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. This final touch enhances both the appearance and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style: Serve a slice of this Juicy Chocolate Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is divine.
- Decadent Pairing: Drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Fruit Accompaniments: Pair with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas to balance the richness of the cake.
- Festive Flair: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with festive sprinkles for celebrations.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Cold ingredients may cause the batter to curdle.
- Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent it from drying out.
- Line the Dish: For easier removal, consider lining the greased dish with parchment paper.
Nutritional Benefits
While this Juicy Chocolate Cake is a dessert meant for indulgence, it offers some nutritional perks:
- Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants and known to elevate mood.
- Milk: Provides calcium and protein, contributing to bone health.
- Eggs: Add protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients like choline.
FAQs
1. Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour.
2. How Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Replace milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free as well.
3. What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?
You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or applesauce for a slightly different flavor and texture.
4. Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans make excellent additions to the batter or as a topping.
5. What’s the Best Way to Store This Cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before serving.
6. Why Is My Cake Dry?
The most common reasons are overbaking or adding too much flour. Be sure to measure accurately and monitor the baking time closely.
Conclusion
This Juicy Chocolate Cake is a timeless dessert that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Its moist crumb and rich chocolate flavor make it a hit for any occasion, whether casual family dinners or festive celebrations. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe ensures that anyone, from novice bakers to experienced pros, can achieve chocolate cake perfection.
So, preheat your oven and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this delightful cake. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your collection!