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To make Ina Garten's chocolate cake, you need the following ingredients: - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature - ½ cup vegetable oil - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 cup boiling water - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) Using high-quality ingredients is key to a rich taste. I recommend: - Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for better flavor. - Choose unsweetened cocoa powder that is dark and rich. - Whole milk adds creaminess; avoid low-fat milk. - Fresh eggs are best; they help the cake rise well. If you need to make changes, here are some ideas: - Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. - Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a different taste. - You can use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free cake. - Dark chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper flavor. This recipe offers flexibility. Remember, the right ingredients make all the difference in taste and texture. For the full recipe, check the complete details. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and boiling water. Make sure to have everything ready before you start. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. You can also use parchment paper for easy release. 3. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them until there are no lumps. Next, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients. 1. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. 2. Beat everything with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes. The batter should be smooth. 3. Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix well. The batter will be thin, which is perfect for a moist cake. 4. If you want an extra richness, fold in chocolate chips. Now, let's bake! 1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. 2. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once the cakes are baked, it’s time to cool them. 1. Take the pans out of the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. 2. Carefully turn the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. 3. Once cool, generously frost with your favorite chocolate frosting. Stack the layers for a stunning cake. For a special touch, you can add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of ganache. Enjoy the rich and decadent taste of this chocolate cake! For detailed instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. To keep your cake moist, follow these steps: - Use room-temperature ingredients. This helps them blend better. - Add boiling water to the batter. It makes the cake light and fluffy. - Consider adding semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra richness. - Don’t overbake the cake. Check it at 30 minutes. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results: - Skipping the room-temperature step. Cold eggs and milk can lead to a dense cake. - Overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined to keep it tender. - Forgetting to grease the pans. This can make it hard to remove the cake. - Not checking for doneness. Use a toothpick to test the center. Ina Garten has great tips for making this chocolate cake: - Always use high-quality cocoa powder. It enhances the cake’s flavor. - Frost the cake when it’s cool. This prevents the frosting from melting. - Layer the cake with frosting in between to boost flavor. - Decorate with chocolate shavings or ganache for a stunning look. These tips will help you create a rich and decadent cake that impresses everyone. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_4}} You can choose many frostings for Ina Garten's chocolate cake. A classic chocolate buttercream works great. It is rich and sweet. You can also try cream cheese frosting. This adds a nice tang. Whipped cream gives a light touch. For a fun twist, use a peanut butter frosting. It pairs well with chocolate. Just make sure to spread it evenly for a nice look. To make the cake even better, you can mix in flavors. Add a dash of espresso powder to boost the chocolate taste. A touch of almond extract adds a lovely hint. For a fruity note, try adding orange zest. This gives a unique twist to each slice. You can also fold in nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. You can change the pan size to suit your needs. If you want a thicker cake, use an 8-inch pan. This cake will take longer to bake. For a flatter cake, use a 10-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the time. You can also make cupcakes. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake them for about 20 minutes. Each method gives you a different look and feel for the cake. Always check with a toothpick to see if it's done. For the full recipe, follow the steps closely. This ensures you get a delicious result every time. To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. If you used frosting, let it set first. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. You can freeze this cake for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each layer in plastic wrap. This helps avoid freezer burn. Place the layers in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To enjoy the cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for about 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out. Warm cake goes nicely with a scoop of ice cream. For the best flavor, serve it fresh! To make this cake vegan, swap the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk. Use vegetable oil as your fat source. Check the chocolate chips; use dairy-free ones. This way, you keep the rich taste. If the cake turns out dense, check your measurements. Too much flour can cause this. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. You can add more liquid to the batter. Adding an extra egg can help if you are not making it vegan. Lastly, avoid overmixing; mix just until combined. You can store the cake at room temperature for three days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cake. It can last for three months when wrapped well. Yes, you can use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips. However, it will change the cake’s texture. Cocoa powder provides a chocolate flavor but lacks the richness of melted chocolate. If you want a deeper flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder. This keeps the cake rich and delicious. For the full recipe, check the link provided. We covered key elements for baking a great cake, from ingredients to storage. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Follow my step-by-step guide for perfect results. Remember to avoid common mistakes to keep your cake moist. Experiment with flavors and frostings to make it your own. Proper storage will keep your cake fresh. Now, go bake and enjoy your delicious creation!

- Ina Garten's Chocolate Cake

Indulge in the bliss of Decadent Chocolate Dream Cake, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving! This rich and moist cake is packed with cocoa and topped with your favorite chocolate frosting. Our easy step-by-step recipe guides you through mixing, baking, and decorating this irresistible dessert. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click to discover how to make this delectable cake that will leave everyone wanting more!
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Ingredients
  

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for an extra layer of richness)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy release.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are well blended, ensuring there are no lumps.

      Add the room-temperature eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.

        Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix until fully incorporated. Note that the batter will be quite thin, which is essential for achieving a moist and tender cake. If you are using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.

          Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring that they are filled to the same height for even baking. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

            Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

              After the cakes have cooled completely, generously frost with your favorite chocolate frosting. Stack the layers to create an impressive multi-layered cake, ensuring each layer is evenly covered for a beautiful presentation.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant finish, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or a decadent drizzle of chocolate ganache. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of sophistication. Consider serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast!