How to make chocolate cake

Ingredients

For the cake:

- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

- 2 large eggs, at room temperature

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the chocolate buttercream frosting (optional):

- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

- 2 cups confectioners' sugar

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Stir until smooth.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla extract.

4. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, whisking until smooth.

5. Divide the batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

6. Bake the cakes: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the chocolate buttercream frosting (optional): Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.

9. Assemble and frost the cake (optional): Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Tips and Variations

- To ensure the cake is moist, don't overmix the batter, and don't overbake.

- If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark or bittersweet chocolate instead of unsweetened cocoa powder.

- Add-ins like nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), chocolate chips, or dried fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the cake.

- For a layer cake, repeat the recipe to make multiple layers, then stack and frost them.