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–+ servings
The Best Simple Chocolate Cake

The Best Simple Chocolate Cake That Everyone Will Love

This Best Simple Chocolate Cake is a moist and tender dessert that impresses loved ones with its delightful flavor and easy preparation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor
  • 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Consider Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda Ensure it's fresh for the best results
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt Regular salt can be substituted
  • 1 cup milk At room temperature; whole milk is ideal
  • 2 large eggs At room temperature; can use egg substitutes for vegan option
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil Melted coconut oil or butter can be substituted
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter Melted; clarified butter may substitute
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar React with baking soda; lemon juice can work in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder Boosts chocolate flavor without coffee taste; optional
For Optional Frosting or Topping
  • whipped cream or buttercream Experiment with flavors like mocha for a twist
  • chocolate ganache Make with equal parts chocolate and cream
  • fresh berries Consider raspberries or strawberries

Equipment

  • oven
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • 7-inch Cake Pans
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the pans by greasing two 7-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and melted butter to the dry mixture, mixing until just smooth.
  4. Gently stir in the vinegar into the batter until well blended.
  5. Evenly divide the cake batter between the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes.
  6. Once baked, cool the cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results. Mix until just combined to avoid a tough cake. Store any leftover cake covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

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