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–+ servings
A rich chocolate cake with glossy frosting, sliced to reveal its moist crumb. Perfect for your cake ideas recipes.

Why Everyone Loves This Cake Ideas Recipes (+ Make-Ahead Tips)

Discover a beloved cake recipe with make-ahead tips, perfect for impressing guests and enjoying stress-free celebrations. This recipe combines classic flavors with practical baking strategies.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 418
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup butter cubed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Icing
  • 1/2 cup butter cubed
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
  • 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Small saucepan
  • 15x10x1-in. baking pan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the butter, water, and cocoa to a boil. Remove from heat.
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the cocoa mixture. Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake bakes, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
  5. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour the warm icing over the warm cake.
  6. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 266mgFiber: 1gSugar: 57g

Notes

This cake can be prepared a day in advance. Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Prepare the icing and store it separately in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently warm the icing and pour it over the cake.

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