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rich dense chocolate cake recipe
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Rich dense chocolate cake recipe

Craving a rich, moist, and dense homemade chocolate cake? This recipe is for you. It makes three 8-inch layers or two 6-inch layers of the best chocolate cake.
The secret to a dense chocolate crumb is in the ingredients. We use all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and more. Creaming butter and sugar, then mixing with milk, vinegar, vanilla, and coffee, makes the cake moist and decadent
Course Breakfast
Cuisine westerne
Keyword best chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, chocolate cake recipes, chocolate layer cake recipe, chocolate lover's delight, dark chocolate cake recipe, decadent chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake recipe, easy gourmet baking, flourless chocolate torte, fudgy cake baking, indulgent cake for chocoholics, moist chocolate cake, premium cocoa powder recipes, rich chocolate cake, rich dense chocolate cake recipe, ultimate chocolate cake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Cooling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 53 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 989kcal
Author Sophie

Equipment

  • 2 8-inch round cake tins (3 inches deep recommended)
  • 1 Parchment paper (for lining cake tins)
  • 1 Mixing Bowls (large and medium)
  • 1 Whisk or electric hand mixer
  • 1 Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate and butter
  • 1 Sifter for dry ingredients
  • 1 patula for folding and scraping
  • 1 Wire rack for cooling cakes
  • 1 Saucepan for heating cream (frosting)
  • 1 Cling wrap to cover frosting
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons for accurate ingredient measurements

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 0.58 cups Flour (70 g), all-purpose
  • 0.17 cup Cocoa Powder (16.67 g), unsweetened, Dutch process preferred
  • 0.33 tsp Baking Soda
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.17 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (56.67 g)
  • 0.42 cups Dark Chocolate (66.67 g), good quality (50% dark)
  • 0.11 cup Milk (26.67 g), cold
  • 0.5 cups Sugar (100 g), granulated
  • 0.5 tbsp Instant Coffee Powder
  • 0.11 cup Vegetable Oil (23.33 g), unflavored (canola oil)
  • 0.67 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 egg Eggs large, room temperature
  • 0.17 cup Hot Water (36.67 g)

For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:

  • 0.33 cup Heavy Cream (75.33 g)
  • 1.33 tsp Cocoa Powder unsweetened, Dutch process
  • 0.83 cups Dark Chocolate (133.33 g), good quality (50% dark)
  • 0.44 cups Powdered Sugar (56.67 g)
  • 0.33 cup Unsalted Butter (75.33 g)
  • 0.44 cups Powdered Sugar (56.67 g)
  • 0.17 tsp Instant Coffee Powder
  • 0.17 tsp Salt
  • 0.67 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

For the Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake tins with parchment paper.
  • Mix dry ingredients: Sift and combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Melt butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts.
  • Combine with milk: Whisk in cold milk to cool the mixture.
  • Add other ingredients: Mix in sugar, coffee, oil, vanilla, and eggs until well combined.
  • Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture, whisking gently.
  • Add hot water: Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • Bake: Distribute batter evenly into pans and bake for 38-40 minutes. Avoid opening the oven early to prevent sinking.
  • Cool: Let the cakes cool for 20 minutes in the pans before transferring to a wire rack.

For the Frosting:

  • Heat cream in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges.
  • Add chocolate and mix: Turn heat to low, add remaining ingredients, and stir until smooth.
  • Strain and cool: Strain into a bowl, cover with cling wrap touching the surface, and chill for 2 hours.
  • Frost: Once the cake is cool and frosting is spreadable, assemble and frost the cake.

Video

Notes

The secret to a moist, dense chocolate cake is all in the science behind the ingredients. By carefully balancing the right fats, moisture, and leavening agents, you can create a truly indulgent dessert that will leave your guests craving for more.
With the right tools, pan prep, and oven temperature, you're set for a delicious chocolate cake. Paying attention to details and following the recipe closely is essential for success
 
This recipe is perfect for any special occasion or when you just want a delicious homemade chocolate cake. Try it with a rich chocolate fudge frosting for the ultimate treat. Enjoy!