Delicious and Nourishing Recipes for Everyday Cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup of cocoa powder

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually beat in the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between two prepared 9-inch round cake pans.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the batter for added texture.
  • Include 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks for a more indulgent chocolate flavor.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
  • Replace the buttermilk with an equal amount of yogurt or sour cream for a tangier taste.
  • Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacement.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor.
  • Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting instead of a traditional buttercream frosting.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this fabulous and easy-to-follow recipe for a classic, moist, and chocolatey cake. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and takes you step by step through the process of making a perfect homemade cake. Expect to mix batter, bake to perfection, and let your cake cool before diving into its deliciousness. Follow these instructions and be rewarded with a cake that's perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy your homemade treat!

Common questions

  1. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour? No, it is recommended to use all-purpose flour for this recipe as self-rising flour contains leavening agents that may alter the final texture of the cake.
  2. Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk? It is best to use buttermilk in this recipe as it adds moisture and tanginess to the cake. However, if you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  3. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is recommended for better flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute. Just make sure it is softened and not melted.
  4. Do I have to use two round cake pans? While the recipe calls for two 9-inch round cake pans, you can use a different size or shape pan. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary.
  5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter? Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before dividing it into the pans for added texture and flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

This delightful treat hails from the United States, believed to have originated in the late 18th century. One interesting story is that the term 'chocolate cake' began to be used in the late 1800s, when an American cook named Eliza Leslie included a recipe for it in her cookbook. Before this, recipes that combined chocolate and cake were often referred to as 'chocolate pound cake' or 'chocolate tea cake'. The accessibility and popularity of chocolate cakes soared in the mid-20th century with the mass production of cocoa powder. Today, it stands as an iconic dessert, celebrated world over for its rich, decadent flavor and its comforting familiarity.

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.