Laura'S Chocolate Cake
A rich and moist chocolate cake featuring deep cocoa flavors, perfect for celebrations or indulgent gatherings, complemented by a luscious homemade frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the cake according to package directions in two 9-inch round pans.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.
- In a saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar, salt, and boiling water.
- Add unsweetened baking chocolate and butter to the mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading on the cooled cake.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a lighter texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have unsweetened baking chocolate, you can substitute with cocoa powder by using 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of butter for each square of chocolate. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cake is perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert after dinner. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Hot Artichoke Cheese Squares as a savory appetizer before diving into dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm the cake without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laura'S Chocolate Cake contains roughly 316 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.
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 use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of unsweetened baking chocolate. Just remember to adjust the sugar in the recipe, reducing it slightly since these chocolates are sweeter.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or use almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I use if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener. However, it may result in a slightly different texture. Use 2 tablespoons of flour for every tablespoon of cornstarch.
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).