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–+ servings
Death by Chocolate Cake

Death by Chocolate Cake: Your Ultimate Indulgent Delight

Indulge in this rich Death by Chocolate Cake, a delight for chocolate lovers with moist layers and creamy 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: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup Chocolate Simple Syrup Optional but recommended for enhanced richness
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitutable with cake flour
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can be used for a slight flavor change
  • 3/4 cup Dark Cocoa Powder Regular unsweetened cocoa can substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure freshness
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure freshness
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Salt No substitutions needed
  • 1 cup Warm Water Can be replaced with warm coffee
  • 1 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream Greek yogurt can substitute
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil Melted butter can be used for flavor
  • 4 large Large Eggs Substitutions not recommended
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Vanilla bean paste works equally well
  • 1 tablespoon Instant Espresso or Coffee Optional boost for chocolate flavor
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Richness; omit added salt if using salted butter
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar Reduce for less sweet frosting
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream No substitutions recommended
  • 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips Deep chocolate flavor in buttercream
  • 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips Optional for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • electric mixer
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • rubber spatula
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cake pans
  • saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Make Chocolate Simple Syrup: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in cocoa powder and let cool.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  3. Prepare Cake Pans: Grease and line pans with parchment paper.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In the well, mix water, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla until just combined.
  6. Bake Cake Layers: Divide batter among pans and bake for 23-26 minutes. Let cool.
  7. Level Cake Layers: Cool for 15 minutes, then level the tops of each layer.
  8. Make Buttercream Frosting: Beat butter, mix in cocoa, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and cream until fluffy.
  9. Assemble Cake: Brush each layer with syrup, spread frosting between layers, and apply a crumb coat around the cake.
  10. Decorate and Serve: Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting and chill if not serving immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even baking, and use a silicone brush for even syrup application.

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