Indulge in Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake: A Slice of Heaven

There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen, filling the air with warmth and promises of sweetness. As this decadent cake bakes, it creates a cozy atmosphere that instantly transports you to a world of indulgent delight. The first bite reveals a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with rich chocolate flavor perfectly balanced by the light, airy texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat after a long day, Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing joy to every gathering and cozy evening.

If you’re looking for the perfect pair for festive seasons or a weekend dessert, this cake transforms any moment into a celebration. It’s a showstopper for gatherings yet simple enough to whip up when you need a sweet fix. Pastry chef or novice, this cake will impress your family and friends, making every occasion even more memorable.

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 people
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Highlights

Before diving into this luscious cake, let’s consider its nutritional content. Remember, balance is key when indulging!

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fiber: 2g

This nutritional breakdown per serving provides insight into your delightful dessert. (Nutritional data verified from the USDA Database and the Mayo Clinic.)

Why You’ll Love It

The allure of this Chocolate Cake lies not just in its flavor but in the memories it creates. It’s perfect for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or even an intimate dinner party. Each slice tells a story of warmth, laughter, and love; it’s bound to spark conversations and nostalgia as you pass around the dessert. Plus, the ease with which it comes together allows you to focus more on creating memories and less on the stress of preparation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Ingredients for the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
5. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth (don’t worry; it’ll be thin!).
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. While the cakes are cooling, melt the semisweet chocolate in a double boiler and allow it to cool slightly.
9. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
10. Mix in the melted chocolate, salt, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Blend until well combined.
11. Once the cakes have cooled, frost between the layers, on top, and around the sides with your luscious chocolate frosting.

Practical Tip: Use a cake leveler to ensure an even frosting surface and prevent any crumbly mess.

Ways to Enjoy

When it comes to serving this chocolate delight, options abound! You can savor it:

• Plain, as a rich dessert.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
• Dusted with powdered sugar or cocoa for a pretty presentation.
• Accompanied by a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a hot cup of tea.

Keeping it Fresh

To keep your Chocolate Cake deliciously moist:

• Room Temperature: Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store for up to 5 days in the fridge, though you may want to bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Avoid overmixing: This cake is moisture-sensitive. Overmixing can make it dense.
• Check doneness: Every oven is different; check a few minutes earlier than the suggested baking time.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting for optimal mixing and texture.

Fun Flavor Ideas

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
2. Espresso Boost: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a tablespoon of espresso powder into the dry ingredients.
3. Nutty Fudge: Fold in chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter for an added crunch.

Common Questions & Answers

1. Can I use cocoa powder for the frosting instead of chocolate?
Yes, you can replace the melted chocolate with additional cocoa powder but reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly to maintain the frosting’s consistency.

2. How can I make this cake more decadent?
Consider adding layers of fudge filling between the cake layers, or drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top for that extra touch.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If wrapped well, they can easily last in the fridge for about a week.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance, just frost it the same day for the best results.

5. How can I reduce the sugar content?
You can reduce the sugar by 20%, but keep in mind that it may alter the moisture and flavor profile slightly.

As you wrap up this fantastic baking adventure, I encourage you to indulge in Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake. Dive into the rich flavors and delightful aromas, and most importantly, share your results with friends and family. There’s always room at the table for a slice of love baked into every layer. Happy baking!

Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake

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• Author: recipechangegmail-com
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A decadent chocolate cake that is light, airy, and rich in flavor, perfect for any celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
5. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. While the cakes are cooling, melt the semisweet chocolate in a double boiler and allow it to cool slightly.
9. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
10. Mix in the melted chocolate, salt, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Blend until well combined.
11. Once the cakes have cooled, frost between the layers, on top, and around the sides with the chocolate frosting.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg