Heavenly Chocolate Vanilla Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup hot water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in hot water until batter is smooth and well combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
9. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
10. Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

FAQs:

• What ingredients are needed for a Heavenly Chocolate Vanilla Cake?
  • Key ingredients typically include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, boiling water (for the chocolate cake layer), and butter or margarine.
• How do I make the cake layers for a Chocolate Vanilla Cake?
  • Prepare two separate batters: one for the chocolate layer and one for the vanilla layer. For the chocolate layer, mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and wet ingredients (eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, boiling water) separately before combining them. For the vanilla layer, mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and wet ingredients (eggs, milk, oil, vanilla) separately before combining. Pour each batter into prepared cake pans and bake according to the recipe instructions.
• At what temperature and for how long should I bake the cake layers?
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake layers for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cake pans.
• How do I ensure the cake layers are moist and fluffy?
  • Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, to ensure better incorporation and a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake. Incorporating boiling water in the chocolate cake batter helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor and keeping the cake moist.
• How should I store and serve the Chocolate Vanilla Cake?
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Serve with frosting of your choice, such as chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or cream cheese frosting.