Delicious Dark Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Rich and moist dark chocolate cake with a deep cocoa flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions, offering a tender crumb and a decadent taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Remove mixer from the batter.
  5. Stir in boiling water; batter will be very thin.
  6. Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
  8. Cool for 10 minutes on a rack.
  9. Remove from the pan.
  10. Cool completely before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're short on eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps create a smoother batter. Also, be careful not to overmix after adding the boiling water; a few lumps are okay.

Serving Suggestions

This Dark Chocolate Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Pie for a delightful contrast of flavors. For an elegant touch, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which will keep it fresh for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delicious Dark Chocolate Cake contains roughly 214 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

214 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 31.2g 11% DV
Fiber 4.6g 17% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 995mg 43% DV
Potassium 379.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 15.8mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 193.2mg 15% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the structure. Also, check that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and cocoa powder, are gluten-free.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the batter or substitute part of the boiling water with brewed coffee. The coffee intensifies the chocolate taste without making the cake taste like coffee.

What is the best way to decorate this cake?

Once cooled, you can frost the cake with chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent touch. For a simpler presentation, top it with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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