Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic dessert loved by many. It is rich, moist, and has a delightful creaminess that comes from the cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of chocolate cake and creamy frosting makes it a favorite for chocolate lovers. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
4. Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top and sides of the cake.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve this delicious chocolate cake at room temperature. You can slice it into pieces and garnish it with chocolate shavings or fresh fruit if you like. This cake is wonderful on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

How to Store Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake. Just make sure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking for the best texture.
• If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk to it to get the desired consistency.
• Feel free to add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate flavor.

Variation

You can make this cake in different flavors by substituting the cocoa powder with different flavor powders like matcha for a green tea cake or using flavored extracts like almond or mint to change up the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! You can use buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or any flavor you prefer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them just before serving.

Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.