Grandma’s Classic Chocolate Cake

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Here’s a well-structured recipe post for you, with a warm introduction, detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, a bit of history, and a conclusion to make it engaging.

Grandma’s Classic Chocolate Cake 🍫🎂

This chocolate cake recipe has been in our family for generations! I got it from my mother-in-law when I was just married, and it has since become my husband’s all-time favorite. Every year, I make it for his birthday, and it never fails to bring smiles. It’s rich, moist, and filled with love—just the way a homemade cake should be!

A Brief History of Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake dates back to the 18th century when cocoa powder became widely available. Over time, bakers perfected the balance of chocolate, butter, and sugar, creating the decadent cakes we love today. This recipe follows a traditional method, ensuring a soft, flavorful, and irresistibly rich dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4-5 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  4. Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
  3. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then increase the speed and beat until fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
  3. Decorate as desired—sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries work beautifully!

The Magic Behind This Cake

  • The buttermilk ensures a tender and moist crumb.
  • The hot water enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • The frosting is rich but not overly sweet, perfectly complementing the cake.

Who Loves This Cake?

  • My husband—he requests it every year!
  • My kids—they lick the frosting straight from the bowl!
  • My friends—it’s the highlight of every gathering!
  • And YOU—once you try it, you’ll never go back to boxed cake!

Conclusion

Baking is an act of love, and this chocolate cake is the perfect way to show it. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or a simple family gathering, this cake will bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Try it, and let me know how it turns out!

Would you love more classic family recipes? Let me know in the comments! ❤️

#ChocolateCake #FamilyRecipes #BakingWithLove #HomemadeDesserts

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