Fudgy Chocolate Cake (9-inch round or 8×8 square pan)
Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for depth)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water; enhances chocolate flavor!)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease pan and line with parchment.
2️⃣ Dry Mix: Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3️⃣ Wet Mix: Beat eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients.
4️⃣ Add Coffee: Slowly mix in hot coffee (batter will be thin).
5️⃣ Bake: Pour into pan. Bake 30-35 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
🖤 Dark Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (70%), finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1️⃣ Heat Cream: Warm cream until steaming (not boiling).
2️⃣ Melt Chocolate: Pour cream over chocolate; let sit 2 mins, then stir until smooth. Add butter and salt.
3️⃣ Chill: Cool ganache 15-20 mins until spreadable.
🐇 Easter Decorating Ideas:
- Mini Eggs: Press Cadbury Mini Eggs into ganache.
- Carrot Toppers: Pipe orange buttercream carrots with green stems.
- Edible Flowers: Scatter crystallized violets or pansies.
- Bunny Stencil: Dust with powdered sugar using a bunny-shaped stencil.
🌟 Pro Tips:
- Extra fudgy? Underbake slightly (toothpick with crumbs).
- Gluten-free: Swap flour for GF 1:1 blend.
- Make ahead: Cake stays moist for 3 days (frost before serving).
This cake is deeply chocolatey, moist, and festive—ideal for Easter brunch or dessert! Let me know if you’d like a vegan version. 😊🐰