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Homemade Moist Double Chocolate Cake

Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time20 mins

Equipment

  • Two 8 ½" round cake pans

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2¼ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup dark cocoa powder I used Nestle's Special Dark Cocoa Powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 1¾ cups dark brown sugar light brown should be ok too.
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar

Frosting

  • 1 cup butter, chilled 2 sticks = 1 cup
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 2-4 Tbsp milk

Instructions

For the Cake

  • Heat oven to 350° F.
  • Grease, flour and line cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.
  • To the flour mixture, whisk in the brown sugar and salt until combined.
  • In a small bowl, add the milk and the white vinegar; set aside.
  • In bowl of stand mixer with whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat together the eggs and oil until frothy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract.
  • Add the milk mixture to the egg mixture and beat gently until combined.
  • With a spatula, gently *fold* (resist the urge to use the mixer) the dry ingredients into the egg/oil mixture until all traces of the flour have been incorporated.
  • Divide batter equally and pour into both pans.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of each cake. Note: Rotate pans at the midway point for a more even bake. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

  • In a small, heat-proof bowl, heat chocolate chips in microwave for about 30-60 seconds. The chocolate chips should be soft but still have some form. Stir with a fork vigorously until chocolate is melted and smooth. Set aside.
  • In bowl of stand mixer, or with hand mixer, beat together the butter with the powdered sugar and cocoa powder until smooth, about two minutes.
  • Spoon the melted chocolate into the mixture and beat until combined.
  • Add milk, one tablespoon at a time and beat until desired consistency

Cake Assembly

  • Place the first cake layer on stand or platter. Add frosting to the center and spread from the center to the edges until about 1/4" thick.
  • Position the other cake on top of the first layer and gently press down until even. Use remaining frosting to cover and decorate the tops and sides as desired. To avoid crumbs in the batter, rinse offset spatula with hot water and wipe clean between adding or spreading more frosting.
  • Enjoy as-is, or garnish with berries or sprinkles. Enjoy!