Perfect Chocolate Cake
by Stella Zedman
Average User Rating:
Here's an easy, one-bowl batter that's sure to become part of your repertoire. It's the perfect chocolate cake for any of life's sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups (425 mL) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 mL) sugar
- 3/4 cup (175 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-1/2 tsp. (7 mL) baking powder
- 1-1/2 tsp. (7 mL) baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (250 mL) milk
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp. (10 mL) vanilla
- 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans OR one 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper and the sides or the pan well.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes. Add the boiling water and mix just until combined -- the batter will thicken slightly. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick stuck into the middle of the pan comes out clean. A single rectangular cake will take slightly longer to bake than two round layers. Slide a knife around the edge of each cake to loosen it from the pan, turn the pan over onto a metal rack and peel off the paper. Let the cake cool completely before covering with frosting, if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Makes two 9-inch (23 cm) round layers, or one 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) rectangular cake.
How kids can help
Older children (10 and up) can use electric mixer (with adult supervision) to beat batter.
Spoon batter into prepared pans.
