There will be much debate on what exactly makes The Best Chocolate Cake the best. But what isn’t up for debate is whether or not it earns its title. The cake itself is tender yet deeply rich, like the best of a brownie in cake form! On top is a thick, luscious, chocolatey ganache-like frosting that feels like a candy bar made right on top of a fluffy bed of cake! The Best Chocolate Cake can be served with whipped cream and strawberries or just enjoyed by itself. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water, very hot
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the chocolate icing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced into cubes
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Optional toppings:
- brown sprinkles, to taste
- 20-24 small strawberries, or more or less to taste
- whipped cream, vanilla or chocolate
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Butter a rimmed 18×13-inch baking sheet and dust it lightly with the cocoa powder.
Step 3 –In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the granulated sugar, the baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt for 20 seconds.
Step 4 –Add 1 cup of the butter to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl and heat in the microwave until melted.
Step 5 –Whisk in 1/2 cup of the cocoa powder and the very hot water to the butter mixture.
Step 6 –Pour the flour mixture into the butter mixture and use an electric hand mixer to blend until well-combined.
Step 7 –Add the buttermilk, the eggs, and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla to the batter and mix on low speed for about 45 seconds.
Step 8 –Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 9 –Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the remaining butter, the remaining cocoa powder, the remaining salt, and the milk to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter has melted.
Step 11 –Transfer the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the remaining vanilla and the powdered sugar until it has a pourable consistency. Place the saucepan over heat if the icing is too thick.
Step 12 –Pour the icing over the warm cake so the cake can absorb some of the frosting. Spread the frosting in an even layer.
Step 13 –Allow the icing to set at room temperature.
Step 14 –Top with your favorite toppings and serve.