The Chocolate Cake Recipe You've Been Missing

Welcome chocolate lovers! Are you guilty of scrolling your favorite social media app and pausing on all the cake decorating videos? Same!

There's no denying the unbelievable artistry of cake decorating. Baking alone is an art form!

But, there's something truly endearing about a homemade chocolate cake, isn't there? If mom made it for your birthday, that cake just became the best chocolate cake you ever ate, right? Even if it came from a box & was topped with a quickly spread can of frosting all tucked into a lasagne pan! (Please tell me this calls to mind your own childhood memories? 😂)

Well friends, have I got a treat for you! This is the best, richest and most amazing chocolate cake recipe ever! Do parts of it come from a box?  Yes, but trust me, you will happily stroll to the recycling bin with said boxes after eating a slice of this heaven in a bundt pan.

Ready to channel your inner pastry chef? Let’s dive into the best chocolate cake recipe!

Velvety Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 c Blanched Slivered Almonds

• 1 package chocolate chips

• 1 package chocolate fudge cake mix (2 layer size)

• 1 package JELL-O Chocolate Fudge Instant Pudding and Pie Filling

• 4 eggs

• 1 c sour cream

• 1/2 c water

• 1/4 c oil

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp almond extract

Ready to begin? Let’s bake!

Preparing the Cake Pans

My mom always used a classic bundt pan; naturally I followed suit! But, this chocolate cake recipe calls for a tube pan. I'm just saying, it's much prettier in the bundt cake pan; but if you must follow rules, choose the tube.

Whatever pan you choose, grease it up. And, if you chose the bundt, take a few extra minutes to grease well inside all those crevices. You'll thank me later.

Toasting the Nuts

Chop almonds (or just buy the slivered version in the store like me, who has time or patience to chop nuts?) and toast at 350 for 3-5 minutes until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and admire those beauties. So pretty, right?

Sprinkle 1/2 c on the bottom of that well-greased pan we were just talking about. Set aside the rest of the almonds with the chocolate chips for safe keeping. Do NOT be tempted to snack on them during the next step!

Cake Batter - Mix it Up

Measure remaining ingredients into a large bowl. Blend the cake batter at medium speed for 4 minutes. A stand-mixer is your best friend here, but if it's arm day & you want to get that workout in, feel free to grab a wooden spoon and do it your way!

Stir in the chips & almonds (unless you couldn't control yourself and ate them all).

Pour cake batter into your pan & bake at 350 for 70 minutes, or until cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Do not underbake. If you do, you'll be really unhappy & question my love for this perfect chocolate cake recipe. Trust the process, friend. Bake that baby until it's attempting to leave the pan on it's own. 😉

Cooling the Cake

After removing from the oven, it's time to let the bundt cake cool inside the pan for a bit. It's a super important step....set your timer for 15 minutes.

Order your family a custom birthday crown while you wait. You'll need the distraction because at this point the cake will smell AMAZING!

Removing the Cake

The best part (besides eating it of course). Place a wire rack on the top of the cake pan and, carefully with those biceps that just got a workout while mixing, flip pan upside down. The cake should come out of the pan pretty easily.

Step back and admire the pretty cake you made! See how those almonds are the detail you weren't sure you needed until this moment?!? They're like little bits of confetti coming to the birthday party!

Frosting Choices for Your Chocolate Cake

*Disclaimer: This very moist chocolate cake recipe does not need frosting because it's plenty rich and velvety on it's own. You might want to serve it with some ice cream or homemade whipped cream (Add a little almond extract if you're making your own. It's the perfect compliment to this cake!). But, if you're sweet tooth is bigger than mine, I won't judge you.....

Ok, frosting.....This is where you can truly let your creativity shine. From classic chocolate buttercream to a decadent ganache and even whipped cream, the possibilities are endless.

Each type of frosting brings its own unique flavor profile, complementing the rich chocolate flavor of this chocolate cake recipe in a different way. Whether you prefer the smooth creaminess of buttercream, the indulgence of ganache, or the refreshing lightness of whipped cream, there’s a perfect match for every cake and every taste bud.

Classic Chocolate Buttercream

Let’s start with a classic - chocolate buttercream frosting. Creamy, smooth, and oh-so-chocolatey, this frosting complements the rich chocolate cake beautifully. It’s a match made in heaven!

To make this luscious frosting, simply combine butter and cocoa powder, add powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract, and mix until it’s smooth and fluffy. Now, isn’t that a frosting that’s worth every calorie?

Decadent Chocolate Ganache

If you’re an extreme chocolate cake lover looking for an indulgent and luxurious frosting option, look no further than ganache. This rich, glossy frosting is made by:

1. Heating heavy cream

2. Pouring it over chopped chocolate

3. After a few minutes, stir until you have a smooth, irresistible ganache ready to spread over your cake.

It’s a frosting fit for a king!

Cake Storage and Serving Tips

Now that you’ve baked this amazing recipe and frosted your masterpiece, you’ll want to store it properly to ensure it remains fresh and delicious. There’s nothing more disappointing than a dry or stale cake, especially after all the love and effort you’ve put into baking it.

Whether you’re planning to serve your cake immediately or save it for later, we’ve got some handy storage and serving tips to ensure your chocolate cake remains as delightful on the inside as it looks on the outside. So let’s keep that cake fresh and ready to impress!

Proper Storage Techniques

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your cake. If you’re planning to serve the cake within a few days, simply cover it with a cake cover or a large bowl and store it at room temperature.

If you’ve baked the cake ahead of time, or if you have leftovers, you can even freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, to prevent moisture loss. When it’s time to serve, simply let it thaw at room temperature.

Freezing and Thawing

If you’ve baked your cake in advance or simply have leftovers, freezing is a great way to preserve it for later. Unfrosted cakes can be frozen for up to three months. Let the cake layers cool completely. Once cooled, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and tinfoil.

When you’re ready to enjoy your cake, remove the wrapping and let the layers thaw at room temperature. Voila! Your cake is as good as fresh baked.

Serving Suggestions

Now let’s talk about serving your chocolate cake. While the moist chocolate cake by itself is a star, pairing it with ice cream or whipped cream can elevate your dessert to a whole new level. You can also add a burst of color and flavor by topping your cake with fresh fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.

It’s all about creating a dessert experience that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste. After all, we eat with our eyes first, right?

Summary

Baking the best homemade chocolate cake might seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients, a little patience, and a sprinkle of love, you can create a moist, rich, and absolutely delicious cake that’s sure to impress. It's not specifically for birthdays, mind you, you can eat this delicious chocolate cake on any Tuesday you like. But you are celebrating a birthday, don't forget your birthday hat!

Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day, there’s always room for a slice of chocolate cake. And with this ultimate guide, you’re not just baking a cake, you’re creating moments of joy, one slice at a time. So, go ahead and make your world a little more delicious. Happy baking!