Chocolate Cake Decorating Ideas

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add boiling water, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
4. Optional: Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or additional frosting as desired.
5. Slice and savor the rich and delightful taste of this classic chocolate cake. Enjoy!