Chocolate Cake - Joy of Baking

By swwbsw1002

Want a quick and easy Chocolate Cake with great flavor? This is it. All the ingredients can actually be mixed together right in the pan and this single layer cake has a rich chocolate flavor with a moist and tender crumb. A nice snacking cake. The kids will love it with a tall glass of cold milk while the adults might prefer it with a hot cup of coffee.

Ingredients

• CHOCOLATE CAKE:
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (195 grams)
• 1 cup granulated white sugar (200 grams)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed), sifted (25 grams)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (75 grams)
• 1 cup warm water (240 ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (170 grams)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (35% butterfat) (180 ml)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from joyofbaking.com

Preparation

Step 1

CHOCOLATE CAKE:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven.

In an un-greased 8 inch (20 cm) square cake pan, stir together the flour, sugar, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the melted butter, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. With a fork, mix all the ingredients together until well blended.

Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

FROSTING:

Place the chopped chocolate, cream, and butter in a heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan of simmering water and melt until smooth. Remove from heat and let stand at room temperature until it is of pouring consistency. Then pour the frosting over the cooled cake. Let stand until frosting has thickened.