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Death by Chocolate Cake

Death by Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Indulgence

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Indulge in the rich, moist Death by Chocolate Cake, a chocolate lover's dream packed with dark cocoa and buttercream.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 11 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture; essential for layers.
  • 1 cup Warm Water Helps dissolve sugar; can be substituted with brewed coffee.
  • 1 cup Dark Cocoa Powder Enhances the chocolate experience.
Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; sifting can create a lighter texture.
  • 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar Sweetens and aids browning.
  • 1 cup Dark or Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder Creates rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder A leavening agent for a fluffy rise.
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda Works with acidic ingredients for lift.
  • 1 tsp Fine Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream Adds moisture and a tender crumb.
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil Keeps the cake moist.
  • 3 Large Eggs Binds ingredients and contributes to structure.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Deepens the cake's flavor profile.
  • 1 tbsp Instant Espresso or Coffee (optional) Elevates the chocolate flavor.
Dark Chocolate Buttercream
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Base for rich buttercream.
  • 0.75 cup Dark Baking Cocoa Provides chocolate richness.
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens frosting.
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Adds smoothness and texture.
  • 0.5 cup Dark Chocolate Chips Incorporated for extra richness.

Equipment

  • 9-inch Round Cake Pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • saucepan
  • Hand Mixer
  • Wire Racks

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and warm water over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix warm water, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine with dry ingredients and mix gently.
  5. Divide cake batter between prepared pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa, vanilla, and salt, then incorporate powdered sugar and cream until smooth.
  8. Trim tops of cake layers, drizzle with simple syrup, and spread buttercream between layers and on top/sides. Coat with chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best texture. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.

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