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Velvet Midnight Chocolate Cake Recipe

Velvet Midnight Chocolate Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

This Velvet Midnight Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey delight perfect for any chocolate lover. The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor, producing a luxurious, velvety texture. Perfectly balanced with buttermilk and soft butter, this cake is wonderfully tender and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache or whipped fudge frosting, making it a stunning centerpiece for celebrations or a decadent everyday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ tsp Baking soda
  • ½ tsp Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1¾ cups Granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 1 cup Hot brewed coffee or boiling water

For Frosting (Optional)

  • Chocolate ganache or whipped fudge frosting
  • Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, then dust the pans lightly with cocoa powder. This prevents sticking and adds extra chocolate flavor.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Sifting ensures a light, even batter without lumps.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps the cake rise and develop a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract, creating a smooth and creamy base for the batter.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently after each addition to keep the batter soft and moist.
  6. Add Hot Coffee: Pour in the hot brewed coffee or boiling water and gently mix until the batter is smooth, glossy, and well combined. The hot liquid enhances the cocoa flavor and produces a rich, velvety texture.
  7. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes spring back lightly to touch.
  8. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Frost and Decorate: Once completely cooled, spread a thick layer of chocolate ganache or whipped fudge frosting between the cake layers and over the top, letting it slightly drip over the edges. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy this decadent Velvet Midnight Chocolate Cake with family and friends!

Notes

  • Using hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with boiling water for a milder taste.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • For an extra moist cake, do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined.
  • The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly to retain moisture.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Gluten-free flour can be substituted 1:1 to make this recipe gluten-free, but texture may vary slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Velvet Midnight Chocolate Cake, chocolate cake recipe, moist chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, baking chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake

Find it online: https://maicook.com/velvet-midnight-chocolate-cake-recipe/