Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake 🍫🍰

This Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and chocolatey. With its deep cocoa flavor and velvety crumb, this cake is ideal for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible chocolate cake step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich & Chocolatey : Packed with semi-sweet chocolate flavor for a satisfying treat.
2. Moist & Tender : The cake has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
3. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
4. Customizable : Top with frosting, ganache, or fresh fruit to suit your taste.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Ingredients

(Serves 8–10)

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 🥣
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use high-quality cocoa for best results ) 🍫
• 2 cups granulated sugar 🫒
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 2 large eggs , room temperature 🥚
• 1 cup whole milk , room temperature 🥛
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness ) 🫒
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
• 1 cup boiling water 💧

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
• 1 cup heavy cream 🥄
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour , cocoa powder , sugar , baking powder , baking soda , and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs , milk , vegetable oil , and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Add the Boiling Water

1. Slowly pour in the boiling water , stirring gently as you go. The batter will be thin—this is normal and ensures a moist cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Tip : If the cakes are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes , then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Ganache Frosting (Optional)

1. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract . Let the ganache cool slightly before using.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of ganache over the top.
2. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining ganache.
   • Optional : Decorate with sprinkles, fresh berries, or chopped nuts for added flair.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients : Eggs and milk blend better when at room temperature, resulting in a smoother batter.
2. Enhance the Flavor : Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor.
3. Make Ahead : Store the cooled cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week .
4. Freeze for Later : Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
5. Switch Up the Frosting : Use buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream for variety.

Perfect Pairings

This Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake pairs beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas for balance.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold glass of milk for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

(Based on 10 slices, with ganache frosting)

• Calories : ~400 kcal
• Protein : ~5g
• Carbohydrates : ~50g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of deep chocolate flavor, tender crumb, and silky ganache creates a dessert that’s as comforting as it is irresistible.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the frosting, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different toppings to make it your own. So grab your cocoa powder, melt that chocolate, and get ready to enjoy a cake that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.