Life is all about transitions, right? We grow and learn and make better choices when we know better. At least, that’s the hope.
While I will not ever judge someone for choosing box mix, I am finding that baking from scratch is something that has become more and more important to me.
I will still be including fun, easy, and creative recipes that will utilize fast methods (like box mixes), but I do hope to be able to share with you some of my favorite from-scratch recipes.
This cake has been a long time in the making.
A couple years ago I shared a from-scratch white cake mix. Almost immediately I was asked to give a chocolate version of that homemade recipe, but I was never able to find one that rocked my socks off.
Until now.
When I made this cake even I was shocked at how good it was. So moist. So rich. So perfect. This is the best homemade chocolate mix I have ever tried, and I have tried a lot.
This one is it.
Slightly adapted from Sweeatpolita’s Chocolate Cake.
Tips for success:
Make sure the dry mixture is sifted; lumps are evil. Kidding. But they are common in cocoa and flour and getting them out is a good idea.
Having the eggs and milk at room temperature is very important. It is also important that the wet ingredients are well mixed before being added to the dry.
Once the wet ingredients have been mixed into the dry and divided between the pans, get it right into the oven.
If you are opposed to coffee you can substitute water. (but just try it ONCE with coffee. It’s amazing.)
I used this recipe for buttercream and tinted 1/2 of it light blue. I used a large leaf tip and held it flat against the cake, applied pressure and moved up. Repeat around entire cake.
I just happened to get some of these really great Weck jars at the store and they work perfect for this recipe. (not an affiliate link)
Quick story: I recently shot a new class for Craftsy on cake decorating! It was a blast, but I brought almost all of my piping tips with me. They will ship them to me soon, but in the mean-time, I have been without most of my tips! So I rummaged through my cupboard and found a leaf tip. That is how this cake was born! 🙂
If you like my Homemade Chocolate Mix be sure to check these out:
Homemade Chocolate Cake Mix
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (90g) cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons (7g) baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons (7g) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227mL) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (119mL) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons (30mL) McCormick® vanilla extract
- 1 cup (227mL) coffee, warm
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 3 months until ready to use.
- When ready to bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk milk, oil, eggs, coffee and vanilla in a large bowl until well mixed and slightly frothy.
- Add the dry mix and whisk until just barely combined and smooth, about 50 strokes. (do not over mix)
- Divide between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake until set and slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let cool in the pans 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack right-side up to cool completely.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
I love the idea of having some homemade cake mix ready for the next time when I bake 🙂
It really comes in handy!
This looks very moist. I have made yellow cake mix and now need to try these others. Thanks!!!
It was SO good. That yellow cake is one of my favorites!
Yes! I cannot wait to make this! Can you please let us know what COCOA you use? Seems like there are so many options and whatever I’ve used does not seem to make the chocolate pop. Thanks! Happy Monday!
Lisa
I used Nestle unsweetened cocoa
Love the ruffles and that fun, vibrant blue! I used the same piping technique for my sister-in-law’s birthday cake with a #70 leaf decorating tip. I couldn’t find a larger size at Michael’s, but I see that Ateco has some larger sizes. Yours definitely looks like you used a larger tip, which I would have preferred. Do you mind sharing what brand/size tip you used? Thanks! Always enjoy your posts 🙂
I love the idea of homemade cake mix. This would also make a great gift!
Great idea!
Yummy !! This would also make for fun gifting (I mean, who wouldn’t want something like this as a gift??)! 😉
At what point is the coffee added? Along with the rest of the wet ingredients?
Thanks so much, Amanda! Your cakes are beautiful, and your creativity is a gift. I have have been following your blog for a while, and this is a first time post. (So sorry! Life can be demanding!) Anyway, I will be looking forward to making this one day, and I, too, appreciate from scratch when possible 🙂 Good work!
What a great recipe!! Thanks Amanda! It’s perfect.
I’m definitely a baking from scratch kind of girl, so I love this! Must gift it to everyone I know who uses boxed mixes!