Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so special about filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of chocolate, especially when baking a *chocolate Christmas cake*. It’s like a warm hug in cake form! I remember as a kid, my mom would whip up this delightful treat every Christmas Eve. The whole house would smell heavenly, and we couldn’t wait to dive into a slice after dinner. We’d sit around the table, sharing stories and laughter, all while savoring that moist, chocolatey goodness. It’s become a cherished tradition in my family, and I just know it’ll bring the same warmth and joy to your home. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like cutting into that beautifully layered cake, knowing you’ve created a little piece of holiday magic. So, let’s get to it and make a cake that’s bound to be the centerpiece of your festive celebrations!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect *chocolate Christmas cake*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cake, giving it structure.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: For that delightful sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show, giving us that intense chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for that fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: They provide moisture and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and delicious.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A touch of warmth that complements the chocolate.
- 1 cup boiling water: This may seem unusual, but it helps to bloom the cocoa and result in a super moist cake!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Cake
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps our cake rise perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them up with a little butter or baking spray, then sprinkle some flour in there to ensure our cake releases beautifully after baking. You don’t want any sticking—trust me, it’s a cake lover’s nightmare!
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s well incorporated. Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Crack in those eggs, pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I like to mix these in with a hand mixer or a whisk until it’s all smooth and creamy—don’t skip this step! The batter should be thick but pourable. Now, here’s the fun part: carefully stir in the boiling water. This might seem odd, but it’s what makes our cake so moist and delicious. The batter will be pretty runny, but that’s exactly what we want!
Baking the Cake
Now, pour that luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This is crucial because it allows them to set up a bit! After that, gently remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Icing and Decorating
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them with your favorite chocolate icing. I love using a rich buttercream for this! Spread a generous layer between the two cake layers, then coat the top and sides as well. For a festive touch, feel free to decorate with some colorful sprinkles or chocolate shavings. You could even add a few fresh berries on top for a pop of color! The presentation is just as important as the taste, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
This *chocolate Christmas cake* is not just a delightful treat; here’s a quick look at its nutritional values per serving (1 slice). Keep in mind these are estimates:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
Enjoy indulging in this festive delight while keeping track of those numbers!
FAQ Section
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers for you! Here are some common queries about my *chocolate Christmas cake*:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stays moist and delicious for days. You can bake it a day or two in advance, just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg replacement, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. It’ll keep the cake moist!
Can I use a different pan size?
Sure! If you’re using a 9×13 inch pan, just pour all the batter in there and bake for about 40-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving!
Can I add different flavors to the cake?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with a splash of espresso or mint extract for a fun twist on the classic chocolate flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Decadent chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfectly moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Great for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or cozy nights in.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and decorations.
- A delightful centerpiece that will impress your guests!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *chocolate Christmas cake* turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients—this helps them blend together more smoothly. I recommend taking your eggs and milk out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start baking. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter; mix just until combined for a light, fluffy cake. And don’t forget to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; sometimes they can be off! Lastly, let your cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from sliding off. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *chocolate Christmas cake*, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate for that ultimate cozy vibe. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a glass of spiced eggnog or a holiday punch. And if you want to take it over the top, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess that complements the chocolate perfectly. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Chocolate Christmas Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate Christmas cake perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Stir in boiling water until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans.
- Frost with chocolate icing once completely cooled.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of espresso to the batter.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it moist.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles or chocolate shavings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate christmas cake
