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–+ servings
A moist, dark chocolate cake with a thick, glossy chocolate glaze, cut into squares.

Why Everyone Loves This Cake Ideas Recipes (+ Make-Ahead Tips)

This chocolate cake is simple to make and popular with families. You can prepare components ahead of time to save time later. This recipe offers a moist cake and a rich chocolate frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 418
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup butter cubed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Icing
  • 1/2 cup butter cubed
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk This is 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons total
  • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
  • 3.75 cups confectioners' sugar This is 3-3/4 cups
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • small saucepan
  • 15x10x1-inch baking pan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the butter, water, and cocoa to a boil.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  3. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add this dry mixture to the cocoa mixture and stir.
  4. Stir in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake bakes, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Bring this mixture to a boil.
  8. Remove the icing mixture from the heat. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla until the frosting is smooth.
  9. Pour the warm icing over the warm cake.
  10. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 266mgFiber: 1gSugar: 57g

Notes

For make-ahead preparation, you can bake the cake layer and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days. You can also make the frosting and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days; let it soften slightly before warming it gently on the stovetop to reach pouring consistency.

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