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.
Good Morning Amanda ~ I made the yellow cake, and FINALLY, after numerous years, trial and error, it was perfect. I did the happy dance. Thank you for the tips, and recipes. appreciate all your hard work, to make our baking better. Bunny
This ia just the best solution for baking with kids! Can I bake it in one pan?
is there something that I can substitute the coffee for. If not does can you taste coffee. I do not like coffee. Please advise
Thanks Thelma
love the home made brownie mix.wonder if I can use splenda an if so do I have to add more vanilla.
Fabulous site. More informative and helpful than any others
Can we make this delicious cakes in microwave?
What brand of quality cocoa powder do you recommend?
I made the recipe and poured it into a bundt pan, wonder how long that’ll take?! Looking forward to great reviews from my guests, thanks for sharing your awesomeness! 🎂🍫🎁
I always cooked from scratch, I wanted to know what I was preparing for my family. This way you also know it’s fresh
Love ur recipes I’m trying the chocolate one this week.. making a heart cake for Valentine.. I’ll post pic later.. thanks Carmen Arz