Indulge in a slice of sweetness with this heavenly dessert cake that combines rich flavors, light textures, and the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something delightful, this cake is sure to impress. With layers of moist cake, velvety frosting, and an irresistible combination of fruits, chocolate, and cream, it’s the ultimate treat for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
- For the Garnish:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Shaved chocolate
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually stir in the hot water until the batter becomes thin and smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the frosting around the sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries, shaved chocolate, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Slice and serve to enjoy a decadent dessert experience!
Tips:
- For a lighter texture, you can substitute some of the flour with cake flour.
- Add a touch of instant coffee to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Make the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days; it gets even better as the flavors meld!