Chocolate Craving Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Craving Cake is a rich, moist treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a luscious chocolate frosting and a tender crumb, it’s a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (63 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (100 g) whole milk
- ¼ cup (55 g) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 g) warm water or warm brewed coffee
- 1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for glass or ceramic pans, or 325°F (163°C) for metal pans. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides and bottom.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium and beat for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the warm water or coffee until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: For the frosting, heat the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
- Step 8: Stir in the sour cream and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use warm brewed coffee instead of water for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- For an extra moist cake, substitute half of the vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Try dark chocolate chips in the frosting for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the mixture.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for the texture, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the amount for a slightly denser cake and nuttier flavor.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the frosting?
Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cream cheese if preferred.
Print
Chocolate Craving Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (8×8 inch cake) 1x
Description
A rich and moist Chocolate Craving Cake made with cocoa powder and warm brewed coffee for enhanced flavor, topped with a smooth and fluffy milk chocolate sour cream frosting. Perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving with a tender crumb and luscious frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (63 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (100 g) whole milk
- ¼ cup (55 g) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (118 g) warm water or warm brewed coffee
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) if using a glass or ceramic baking dish, or 325°F (163°C) for a metal pan. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides and bottom to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Add wet ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the large egg, whole milk, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just to combine, then increase to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes to achieve a smooth, uniform batter.
- Incorporate warm water or coffee: Stir in the warm water or warm brewed coffee until the batter is thin and fully incorporated. This adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Make frosting smooth and fluffy: Stir in the sour cream and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted chocolate until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the chocolate sour cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake, creating a luscious and rich topping.
Notes
- Using warm brewed coffee in place of water intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on the type of pan used; glass and ceramic retain heat differently than metal.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the icing from melting or sliding off.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, chocolate craving cake, chocolate dessert, homemade chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake
