Introduction
Baking a cake can be a delightful experience, especially when you have the right ingredients at hand. This cake recipe, featuring a rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting, is perfect for any occasion. Let’s explore the detailed ingredients required to create this delicious dessert.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
– 3 cups light brown sugar, packed
– 4 eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups sifted cake flour
– 1 1/3 cups sour cream
– 1 1/2 cups hot coffee
For the Frosting:
– 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
– 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
– 1/2 cup cooled coffee
– 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
Prep Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 to 14 slices
With the ingredients ready and the prep time set, you can start creating a masterpiece that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful taste of your homemade chocolate cake!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans
Butter and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
Step 3: Line the Pans
Cut three circles of waxed or parchment paper to fit the bottoms of the pans, then press them in.
Step 4: Cream the Butter
In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth.
Step 5: Add the Brown Sugar
Add the brown sugar and continue to beat until fluffy.
Step 6: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 7: Mix in Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 8: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cake flour.
Step 9: Combine Dry Ingredients with Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Step 10: Add Hot Coffee
Slowly add the hot coffee to the batter, mixing until smooth.
Step 11: Divide the Batter
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Step 12: Bake the Cakes
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 13: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 14: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Step 15: Add Melted Chocolate
Add the melted unsweetened chocolate and mix until well combined.
Step 16: Incorporate Coffee and Vanilla
Stir in the cooled coffee and vanilla extract.
Step 17: Gradually Add Confectioners’ Sugar
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Step 18: Frost the First Layer
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a portion of the frosting over the top.
Step 19: Frost the Second Layer
Repeat with the second layer.
Step 20: Assemble the Cake
Place the third layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 21: Slice and Serve
Slice and serve.
Notes
Note 1: Cake Flour
For best results, use cake flour for a lighter texture.
Note 2: Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for proper mixing.
Note 3: Coffee
Using freshly brewed hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
Note 4: Cooling Time
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Cook techniques
1. Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to provide structure and lift to the cake.
2. Sifting Dry Ingredients
Sifting flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt ensures that there are no lumps and evenly distributes the leavening agents throughout the mixture.
3. Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients
When adding dry ingredients and wet ingredients alternately, starting and ending with dry ingredients helps maintain the cake’s structure and avoids overmixing.
4. Baking Cakes
Baking at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and for the appropriate time ensures even baking and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
5. Cooling Cakes
Allowing cakes to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring them to a wire rack helps prevent them from breaking apart.
6. Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Beating softened cream cheese and butter together creates a smooth base for frosting, while gradually adding confectioners’ sugar ensures a smooth and spreadable consistency.
7. Layering Cakes
When layering cakes, spreading frosting between layers helps to keep them moist and adds flavor.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain yogurt or a mixture of milk and vinegar as a substitute for sour cream.
Is it necessary to use hot coffee in the cake batter?
Yes, hot coffee enhances the flavor of the cocoa and helps to dissolve dry ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and frost them closer to serving time.
How can I store leftover cake?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This rich and indulgent chocolate cake, paired with a creamy chocolate frosting, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The depth of flavor from the coffee and chocolate combination brings a sophisticated touch, making it perfect for celebrations or as a delightful treat any day of the week.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Combine butter, brown sugar, and eggs with flour and chocolate chips for a classic favorite.
Red Velvet Cake
Use a similar base of cake flour and cocoa powder, adding buttermilk and red food coloring for a vibrant twist.
Mocha Cupcakes
Make smaller versions of the chocolate cake with espresso-flavored frosting for a delicious coffee-infused treat.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Blend mashed bananas into the batter for a moist, sweet loaf that pairs well with chocolate chips.
Layered Cheesecake
Incorporate cream cheese with a graham cracker crust and a chocolate ganache topping for a rich dessert experience.
Cocoa Brownies
Transform the cocoa powder into a fudgy brownie mix, perfect for a quick and decadent dessert option.
Chocolate Mousse
Use whipped cream and melted chocolate for a light and airy dessert that complements the richness of the cake.
