Ingredients
Cake:
- 240g all-purpose flour
- 85g cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp iodized salt
- 440g brown sugar
- 120ml vegetable or corn oil
- 1 tbsp plain white vinegar
- 480ml room temp water
Frosting:
- 600ml heavy cream
- 340g dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 60g salted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Frosting
We make the frosting first so it has time to cool before we use it.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream, dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, and salted butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Alternatively, you can do this over the microwave. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and put on at maximum 30-second increments. Stir after every round to ensure all parts have equally heated up. Once fully melted, add the chocolate and stir. If there are unmelted bits, put back in the microwave for a further 30 seconds and stir. Finally, add the cream and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and iodized salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended. Next, add the brown sugar, corn oil and plain white vinegar to the dry mixture. Mix until combined. Finally, add the boiling water and whisk until a smooth batter forms, making sure there are no lumps.
Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, place it on a serving plate and spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula or a knife to create swirls or patterns in the frosting for a more visually appealing presentation.
Tips and Variations
- Turn this recipe into cupcakes! One recipe makes 2-3 dozen, 3oz cupcakes.
- No oven? Steam the cake for 25-35 minutes or until almost firm.
- The recipe contains no eggs, ensuring a softer and fudgier texture.
- Order Belgian chocolate from Puratos Philippines for an even richer flavor.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you're having trouble finding some of the ingredients listed above, don't worry! Here are some substitutes to ensure you can still make this delicious cake:
- Corn oil: Substitute with vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil.
- Dark chocolate chips: Swap with semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.
- Heavy cream: Replace with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Chef RV's Easy Moist Chocolate Cake (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 40g
Final Thoughts
Chef RV's Easy Moist Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Its eggless, fudgy texture, and rich flavor will have your guests coming back for seconds. With easy-to-follow instructions, handy ingredient substitutes, and helpful tips, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delectable chocolate cake!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake. Just make sure to choose a blend that's suitable for cakes and follow the package instructions for the correct substitution ratio.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Make the frosting on the day you plan to serve the cake and assemble before serving.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake at room temperature before frosting and serving.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream in the frosting and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cake?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar by up to 25%. Keep in mind that this may affect the cake's overall texture and moisture content.
Equipment You Will Need
Preparing Chef RV's Easy Moist Chocolate Cake requires some basic kitchen equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here's a list of the essential tools you'll need:
For the Cake
- Mixing bowls - You will need at least two mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk - A whisk will help you combine the dry ingredients and ensure a lump-free batter.
- Measuring cups, spoons, kitchen scale - Accurate measurements are key for a successful cake. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for both dry and liquid ingredients.
- Spatula - A spatula is essential for folding the wet and dry ingredients together and scraping the batter into the baking pan.
- 9-inch round cake pan - This recipe calls for a 9-inch round cake pan, but you can also use an 8-inch pan if that's what you have on hand. Just be aware that the baking time may vary.
- Parchment paper - Lining the cake pan with parchment paper will ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Cooling rack - Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
For the Frosting
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl - You'll need a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate for the frosting.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer - A mixer will make it easy to whip the heavy cream and achieve the desired consistency for the frosting.
- Offset spatula or a butter knife - Use an offset spatula or a butter knife to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Optional Equipment
- Kitchen scale - A kitchen scale can help you measure ingredients more accurately, especially when converting measurements from cups to grams.
- Cupcake liners and muffin tin - If you decide to make cupcakes instead of a cake, you'll need cupcake liners and a muffin tin.
- Steamer - If you don't have an oven, you can use a steamer to cook the cake. Just make sure to choose a suitable container that fits inside your steamer.
- With these essential tools on hand, you're all set to create a delicious, moist, and fudgy chocolate cake that everyone will love. Happy baking!