The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

Summary

Join John Cannell in this delightful 'Preppy Kitchen' episode as he guides you through making a decadent chocolate cake. Starting with essential tips for preparing your baking pans, he emphasizes the importance of accurate ingredient measurements. The recipe combines rich cocoa, moist vegetable oil, and the choice of boiling water or coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. As he prepares a silky chocolate buttercream, John shares creative variations and personal baking anecdotes. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its fluffy yet fudgy texture. Don't miss the chance to create this delicious treat!

Takeaways

• 😀 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking pans with spray or butter for easy cake release.
• 🥄 Accurate measuring of flour is crucial; fluff it up before scooping to avoid adding too much.
• 🍬 Sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the cake's softness and moistness.
• 🍫 Use natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor in your cake.
• ⚗️ Baking soda requires an acid (like cocoa powder) to activate, so ensure proper ingredient combinations.
• 🧂 Adding kosher salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor; it's essential for desserts.
• 💧 Incorporating boiling water or hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds moisture to the batter.
• 🥚 Room temperature eggs are recommended for better mixing and consistency in the batter.
• 🍰 The cake layers should be baked until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, usually around 35 minutes.
• 🍦 For chocolate buttercream, cream softened butter and sifted powdered sugar until smooth, and add milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Q & A

What is the first step in making the chocolate cake?

The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch baking pans by spraying them with baking spray or butter and lining them with parchment paper.

Why is it important to measure the flour correctly?

Measuring flour correctly is crucial because adding too much flour can lead to a dry and dense cake. It is recommended to either use a scale or fluff the flour before measuring to avoid adding excess.

What role does sugar play in the cake recipe?

Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also helps keep it soft and moist. Reducing sugar can make the cake harder and denser.

What is the significance of using boiling water or hot coffee in the wet ingredients?

Boiling water or hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and adds moisture to the batter, making it more intensely chocolatey.

How does the addition of eggs impact the cake batter?

Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake. Using room temperature eggs ensures better mixing and integration into the batter.

What can be done if the buttercream is too thick?

If the buttercream is too thick, you can run the mixer for an additional 30 seconds and add a tablespoon of cream or milk to achieve a smoother consistency.

What is the purpose of sifting the cocoa powder and powdered sugar?

Sifting helps remove lumps from cocoa powder and powdered sugar, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture in both the cake and the frosting.

What is a common alternative to butter in the buttercream recipe?

You can substitute half a cup of butter with half a cup of cream cheese or sour cream to alter the flavor and texture of the buttercream.

How can you adjust the flavor profile of the buttercream?

You can add flavors such as espresso powder, spices like cinnamon or cayenne, or use different liquids like brandy or whiskey to create a unique buttercream flavor.

What is the final step before serving the cake?

The final step is to frost the cooled cake layers with the chocolate buttercream, ensuring an even layer and decoration as desired, before slicing and serving.