Description
Mediterranean chocolate cake delights chocolate enthusiasts with rich layers of deep cocoa flavor. Home bakers will discover a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for special celebrations and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water or hot coffee
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- 1 ½ tsps baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (450 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C), positioning rack in central zone for consistent heat circulation. Prepare cake pans by thoroughly greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper to prevent adhering.
- Dry Ingredient Integration: Meticulously sift flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing vessel, ensuring complete homogeneity and eliminating potential lumps.
- Wet Mixture Development: Whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Blend at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive emulsion with uniform consistency.
- Liquid Enhancement: Gently fold boiling water or coffee into the batter, stirring until the mixture becomes fluid and glossy. This technique amplifies moisture content and intensifies chocolate depth.
- Pan Distribution and Baking: Evenly pour batter into prepared pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Validate doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into cake center – it should emerge without raw batter residue.
- Cooling Protocol: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, facilitating initial stabilization. Carefully transfer layers to wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before potential frosting or decoration.
Notes
- Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for dry and wet ingredients to ensure consistent cake texture and prevent baking failures.
- Mix Strategically: Blend wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to avoid overmixing, which can create a dense, tough cake.
- Control Water Temperature: Add boiling water or coffee gradually to maintain batter consistency and enhance chocolate flavor depth without compromising structure.
- Cool Carefully: Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks, preventing potential structural breakdown during cooling process.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg