Hot Chocolate Cake

Dive into Decadence with Hot Chocolate Cake

When the weather gets chilly or you’re simply craving something sweet, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm slice of Hot Chocolate Cake.

This moist, rich dessert captures the essence of your favorite hot chocolate drink, with layers of chocolate goodness that are sure to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a cozy gathering with friends, or just because it’s Tuesday, this cake is as comforting as a warm hug on a cold day.

Let’s get baking and bring that chocolatey delight to life!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg

Why I Love This Hot Chocolate Cake

This Hot Chocolate Cake holds a special place in my heart because it’s so versatile and approachable.

I remember baking it for the first time with my kids on a rainy afternoon. The smell of chocolate filled our home, creating an atmosphere of warmth and laughter.

It’s so easy to whip up; the batter comes together in minutes, and the end result is nothing short of magical.

The rich, chocolaty flavor makes it perfect for celebrations, or just for a little self-care treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, dressing it up with frosting or sprinkles is always a fun activity!

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes release easily once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together until they’re well blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate the Boiling Water

Stir in the boiling water gradually. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin—it’s supposed to be! This step is key to achieving that luscious, moist texture.

Step 5: Pour the Batter

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Don’t be shy; get all that yummy mixture in there!

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, remove them gently and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting once the cakes are cool. Feel free to add sprinkles or chocolate shavings for that extra touch!

Tips & Variations

• Perfect Your Cake: For a more chocolatey experience, try adding chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy the cake slightly warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert.
• Diet Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
• Add Some Spice: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick, or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for depth in flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Avocado Cake – A healthier twist using avocado for moisture.
• Red Velvet Cake – A classic choice, equally delightful with cream cheese frosting.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Rich chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting.
• Mocha Cake – Infuse coffee into your chocolate cake for an energizing treat.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Chocolate Cake

Serve this cake at room temperature, dressed in rich chocolate frosting and perhaps a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the plate.

It’s perfect for birthday parties or as an afternoon treat with coffee. Pair it with a hot drink like a mocha or a cold glass of milk for a comforting indulgence.

If you love chocolate desserts, you might also want to try making a hot fudge sundae alongside this cake for double chocolate bliss!

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months; just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Helpful Questions

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