Decadent Chocolate Celebration Cake
Experience sheer indulgence with our Decadent Chocolate Celebration Cake, ideally crafted for any special occasion. Inspired by a memorable request from my little brother's 12th birthday, this recipe delivers a perfectly moist texture with rich chocolate flavor. The layered approach allows this cake to be the centerpiece of any dessert lineup, boasting a sumptuous and creamy frosting that leaves a lasting impression. Serve this cake to wow your guests, as even after a lavish dinner, it will be the topic of conversation for weeks!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsweetened Chocolate
3 ounces (Melted)
Butter
1/2 cup (Room temperature)
Light Brown Sugar
2 1/4 cups (None)
Eggs
3 (None)
Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (None)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Sour Cream
1 cup (None)
Boiling Water
1 cup (None)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (None)
Butter (for Frosting)
1/3 cup (None)
Milk
1/3 cup (None)
Icing Sugar (Confectioners')
1 cup (None)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you finish preparing the batter.
2
2. Melt the unsweetened chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals. Set it aside to cool slightly.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of light brown sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly around 5 minutes.
4
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate until uniformly combined.
5
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Begin adding this dry mixture to the chocolate blend, alternating with the sour cream. Beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
6
6. Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter should be quite thin at this stage, which is normal.
7
7. Divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans that have been greased and floured in advance to prevent sticking.
8
8. Bake both pans for about 35 minutes. Check if done by lightly pressing the center of the cake; it should spring back.
9
9. Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
10
10. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by combining 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of butter, and 1/3 cup of milk in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
11
11. Allow the mixture to boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes until it thickens a bit.
12
12. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm. Gradually stir in the icing sugar until you obtain a smooth and spreadable consistency. A thin skin may form on top; this is normal.
13
13. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the prepared frosting over the entire cake, allowing it to drape over the sides for a finished look.
14
14. Serve and enjoy your decadent creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Celebration Cake?
It is a rich, moist, layered chocolate cake designed for special occasions, featuring a creamy homemade frosting.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this chocolate cake provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What type of chocolate is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, melted.
How should I melt the unsweetened chocolate?
You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler or a microwave in short intervals.
What size cake pans are needed?
You will need two 9-inch round cake pans.
How long should I cream the butter and brown sugar?
The butter and light brown sugar should be beaten together for roughly 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
How many eggs are included in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 eggs, added one at a time.
What type of sugar is used in the cake batter?
Light brown sugar is used in the batter for a rich flavor and moisture.
What is the purpose of adding boiling water to the batter?
Boiling water helps to thin the batter and bloom the chocolate flavor.
Is it normal for the cake batter to be thin?
Yes, the batter will be quite thin after stirring in the boiling water, which is normal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the cake pans?
The pans should be greased and floured in advance to prevent the cake from sticking.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the pans for approximately 35 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake is done?
Lightly press the center of the cake; it is done if it springs back.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them.
What should I use to cool the cakes completely?
Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before applying frosting.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting consists of brown sugar, butter, milk, and icing sugar.
How long do I boil the frosting mixture?
The mixture of brown sugar, butter, and milk should boil for 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
When should I add the icing sugar to the frosting?
Gradually stir in the icing sugar once the boiled mixture has cooled to a lukewarm temperature.
What if a thin skin forms on the frosting?
A thin skin forming on the frosting as it cools is normal.
How do I apply the frosting to the cake?
Spread the frosting over the entire cake, letting it drape naturally over the sides.
Can I use all-purpose flour for this cake?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
What provides the moisture in this cake?
The combination of sour cream and light brown sugar ensures a perfectly moist texture.
Is this cake suitable for a birthday?
Yes, it was originally inspired by a request for a 12th birthday celebration.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What is the fat source for the batter?
The batter uses 1/2 cup of room temperature butter.
What is the fat source for the frosting?
The frosting uses 1/3 cup of butter.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream to achieve its signature decadence and moisture.