There’s a certain charm to cozying up in the kitchen, armed with nothing but a mixing bowl and a hint of inspiration. One beloved staple that never fails to delight is a decadent chocolate cake, and today we’re serving up a recipe that could easily rival Ina Garten’s famous Barefoot Contessa Chocolate Cake. This indulgent treat strikes the perfect balance between rich cocoa flavor and moist, tender crumb, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s bake up a storm with this irresistible Barefoot Contessa Chocolate Cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix until everything is well combined. The batter will be thin but don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, you can choose to frost them with your favorite frosting or enjoy them as is. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch.
With its moist crumb and rich chocolate flavor, this Barefoot Contessa Chocolate Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you whip it up for a special celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, this classic dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your apron and get baking – your taste buds will thank you for it!