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–+ servings

Dark Chocolate Cake

Moist, rich, chocolaty perfection, something that every chocolate fan should taste, this is one of those must-have recipes.
4.72 from 7 votes
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Course: Dessert
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 -12
Author: CakesCottage - adapted from Hersheys

Ingredients

  • CAKE
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder or Hershey’s Special Dark powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water I used hot, strong coffee
  • FROSTING
  • 8 Tbsp butter or margarine softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder or Hershey’s Special Dark powder
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch baking pans.
  • Stir together all dry ingredients to a large bowl.
  • Add eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla and beat on medium speed about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centre comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans to a wire racks and let to cool completely.
  • FROSTING
  • Beat butter in medium bowl until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency. If necessary, add a bit of milk to reach desired consistency.
  • Stir in vanilla. You will get about 2 cups of frosting.
  • ASSEMBLY
  • Place first layer of cake on cake plate. Spread about 1/2 cup of frosting on top in an even layer.
  • Add second layer of cake and add frosting on top in an even layer.
  • Add final layer of cake on top and frost the outside of the cake.
  • Finish off with chocolate curls or other decoration, and set in a fridge for a few hours before serving.