Delicious Home-Cooked Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk
  • 1/2 cup of boiling water

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add the vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they're well combined.
  4. Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
  5. Pour the boiling water into the bowl, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and thin.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  9. After the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to blend the dry ingredients together and ensure they are well mixed.
  • Spatula - Used for mixing the wet and dry ingredients together and smoothing the batter in the baking pan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Baking pan - The pan in which the cake will be baked.
  • Parchment paper - Used to line the baking pan, preventing the cake from sticking.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the cake.
  • Wire rack - Used for cooling the cake after baking.
  • Toothpick - To test the doneness of the cake.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the cocoa powder with matcha powder for a unique green tea flavor.
  • Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a different taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Add a layer of cream cheese frosting or ganache between the cake layers for added richness.
  • Make it vegan by using a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and plant-based milk.
  • Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or mint, to customize the flavor.
  • Create a marble effect by swirling in some melted white or dark chocolate into the batter.
  • Top the cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Recipe overview

Get ready to impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade chocolate cake. This recipe is simple, yet yields a rich and moist cake that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. The process involves mixing together basic pantry ingredients, then baking the batter until it transforms into a fluffy and moist cake. Ideal for birthdays, special occasions, or just because, this chocolate cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cake flour or self-rising flour.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?
    Yes, you can use canola oil or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
  3. Is it necessary to use whole milk or can I use low-fat milk?
    Whole milk is recommended for this recipe to achieve a moist and rich texture, but you can use low-fat milk as a substitute if desired.
  4. Can I omit the boiling water?
    No, the boiling water is essential for the recipe as it helps to activate the cocoa powder and create a smoother batter.
  5. Can I add any additional ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips?
    Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or any other desired mix-ins to the batter before baking.
  6. How long does the cake need to cool before serving?
    It is recommended to let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Spatula - Helps in spreading and smoothing the cake batter in the baking pan.
  • Baking Pan - A rectangular or round pan for baking the cake.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking pan, preventing the cake from sticking.
  • Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center.
  • Wire Rack - A cooling rack used to cool the cake after baking.

Origin stories

This delightful chocolate cake recipe is reflective of the great American tradition of baking. Interestingly, chocolate as an ingredient in cakes did not gain popularity until the 19th century. Before then, chocolate was predominantly consumed as a beverage. It was the advent of cocoa powder in the 1820s, created by a process invented by Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten, that set the stage for chocolate to become the baking staple we know and love today. By the end of the 19th century, with the industrialization of food production and the publication of several influential cookbooks, chocolate cake had become a beloved dessert across America.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.