Hershey's Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight
This recipe delivers a moist, rich, and intensely chocolatey Hershey's chocolate cake that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this recipe is easy to follow even for beginner bakers. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it convenient and accessible for everyone.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey's is recommended!)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey's again!)
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for a perfectly baked Hershey's chocolate cake.
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thorough mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Coffee Infusion: Gradually pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and adds moisture.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Rich Chocolate Frosting:
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until smooth.
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembling Your Masterpiece:
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from crumbling.
- Frost & Enjoy: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps ensure even mixing and baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial for preventing the frosting from melting.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious Hershey's chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
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