Description
This Cheesecake Factory-style Chocolate Cake recipe delivers a rich, moist, and decadent chocolate layer cake with smooth chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced with a deep cocoa flavor, it replicates the iconic dessert known for its indulgent texture and luscious frosting, ideal for any celebration or chocolate craving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Frosting & Toppings
- Chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade with cocoa, butter, sugar, and milk)
- Optional chocolate chips
- Optional chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
- Prepare your pans: Grease the cake pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily without sticking.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the correct temperature for baking by the time the batter is ready.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly blended.
- Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine both mixes: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until the batter is uniform and smooth.
- Add hot water: Gently mix in the hot water until the batter becomes thin, smooth, and shiny, which helps produce a moist cake texture.
- Fill cake pans: Evenly divide the batter between prepared cake pans, spreading it out to fill each pan levelly.
- Bake the cakes: Place the pans into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cakes are firm to the touch.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool completely before handling further.
- Remove from pans: Once cool, carefully invert the cakes out of the pans to avoid breaking or crumbling.
- Prepare frosting: Use store-bought chocolate frosting or make your own by combining cocoa powder, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a little milk to create a spreadable consistency.
- Trim the tops: If the cakes domed while baking, level the tops by gently slicing off the rounded edges to create flat surfaces for stacking.
- Frost the first layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Add the second layer: Position the second cake layer on top of the frosted bottom layer, pressing gently to secure it flat.
- Frost the whole cake: Cover the entire cake—top and sides—with the remaining chocolate frosting, smoothing it out for a polished finish.
- Add toppings: Decorate with optional chocolate chips or chocolate shavings/curls for extra flavor and an attractive presentation.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the finished cake to allow the frosting to set and firm up, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Slice the cake: Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the cake into slices, wiping the knife between cuts for neat slices.
- Serve fresh: Plate each slice and enjoy the rich, moist chocolate cake with luscious frosting.
- Store leftovers: Keep any remaining cake stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and softness.
Notes
- Make sure to use hot water; this enhances the cocoa flavor and helps the cake remain moist.
- If making homemade frosting, let the butter soften at room temperature to ensure easy mixing.
- Remove the cakes from pans only after they have fully cooled to prevent breakage.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a smoother batter.
- For extra moistness, do not overbake; start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American