There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a slice of homemade chocolate cake. It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort, warmth, and joy to any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, an afternoon tea, or just a treat to enjoy after a long day. If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent dessert, this Easy Chocolate Cake recipe will become your go-to. With layers of moist, fluffy cake, a rich whipped cream topping, and a silky chocolate ganache, this cake is perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
What’s even better? This recipe doesn’t require advanced baking skills and uses easy-to-find ingredients. The result is a cake that’s incredibly moist with a deep, rich chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike and is sure to impress anyone who gets a bite. Let’s dive into why this chocolate cake works so well, what you’ll need, and how to make it!
Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Chocolate Cake recipe is a winning combination of several key elements. First, the cake uses egg whites, which help create a lighter, fluffier texture while maintaining moisture. This, combined with the cocoa powder and cake flour, gives the cake a fine crumb and tender bite. The method of folding in beaten egg whites ensures that the cake has a nice lift without being overly dense, which can sometimes happen with chocolate cakes that rely too much on butter or oil.
Another key to the cake’s success is the balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is rich in flavor due to the cocoa powder, but the whipped cream topping lightens the sweetness, offering a nice contrast. The final touch of chocolate ganache adds a glossy and indulgent finish that makes each slice visually appealing and irresistible to the taste buds.
The entire cake comes together in a straightforward process with no complicated steps, making it an ideal choice for anyone who’s looking to create a show-stopping dessert without a lot of fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served at a casual dinner or at a more formal celebration. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, this cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy chocolate cake, along with a brief explanation of why each ingredient is important:
For the Cake:
- 100g of cake flour: Cake flour is key to achieving a tender and light texture. It has a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour, which prevents the cake from becoming dense.
- 20g of cocoa powder: This provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor that is the star of the cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda: Baking soda is used to help the cake rise. It works with the acidic ingredients (like cocoa) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, making the cake light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 5 egg whites: The egg whites help create a light, airy texture in the cake. They’re beaten until stiff peaks form, contributing to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 100g of granulated sugar: Sugar is used both in the egg whites to help stabilize them and to sweeten the cake batter.
- 45g of milk: Milk adds moisture to the cake, ensuring it’s soft and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- 5 egg yolks: The egg yolks add richness and contribute to the overall texture of the cake.
- 50g of granulated sugar: This is added to the egg yolks to create a smooth, pale mixture that will help bind the cake ingredients together.
- 50g of vegetable oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and adds richness without weighing it down.
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 400g of thick whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream is the base for the topping and provides a creamy, rich texture.
- 60g of powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves easily in the cream, creating a smooth and sweet topping.
- A pinch of salt: This small amount of salt balances the sweetness of the whipped cream and complements the richness of the chocolate cake.
- 5g of cocoa powder: A little cocoa powder in the whipped cream gives it a mild chocolate flavor that ties the topping in with the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of the whipped cream and complements the cake.
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 135g of thick hot whipping cream: The cream is the key to making a smooth ganache. The heat helps to melt the chocolate, creating a shiny and silky finish.
- 150g of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: Semi-sweet chocolate is used for the ganache, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It melts beautifully into the cream for a rich, glossy ganache.
- 15g of unsalted butter: Butter adds a velvety texture to the ganache, making it even smoother and richer.
How to Make This Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps of making this delicious cake!
Step 1: Preparation of the Cake
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake.
- Prepare the baking pan: Butter and line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) pastry mold with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove from the pan once baked.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps in the dry ingredients and helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
Step 2: Preparing the Egg Whites
- Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the 100g of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until firm peaks form. This process incorporates air into the egg whites, helping the cake rise.
- Set the egg whites aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Whisk the egg yolks: In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 50g of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick. This creates a smooth, emulsified base for the cake.
- Add the liquids: Next, whisk in the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser cake.
- Fold in the egg whites: Gently fold in one-third of the beaten egg whites to lighten the batter. Once that’s incorporated, add the remaining egg whites and gently fold until smooth.
Step 5: Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Preparing the Whipped Cream
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat the thick whipping cream with powdered sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will be your creamy, chocolatey topping.
Step 7: Preparing the Chocolate Ganache
- Make the ganache: Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot whipping cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute to soften. Stir until smooth, then add the unsalted butter, stirring until it’s melted and the ganache is glossy.
Step 8: Assembling the Cake
- Layer the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
- Add whipped cream: Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer.
- Add the top layer: Place the second layer of cake on top of the whipped cream.
- Finish with ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top layer of cake, spreading it evenly.
Step 9: Refrigerate and Serve
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
- Serve: Slice the cake into generous portions and serve. Enjoy the perfect combination of moist chocolate cake, airy whipped cream, and rich chocolate ganache.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting. This will help them incorporate more easily and lead to a smoother batter.
- Sift the dry ingredients: Sifting the cocoa powder and flour will give your cake a lighter texture and prevent any lumps from forming.
- Be gentle when folding in the egg whites: Folding the egg whites gently ensures that the air you incorporated into them doesn’t deflate, helping the cake rise beautifully.
How to Serve This Cake
This Easy Chocolate Cake is
perfect for serving at birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great addition to an afternoon tea party. For a little extra flair, top each slice with a fresh berry or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 26g
This Easy Chocolate Cake is the ideal recipe for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts with minimal effort. With a perfect combination of cake, whipped cream, and ganache, it’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving. Enjoy!