Baking Hear Me Out Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Discover the delightful layers of flavor in this Baking Hear Me Out Cake, perfect for any occasion.
This cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. Each bite is a blend of rich flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
A Celebration of Flavors
Baking Hear Me Out Cake is a culinary masterpiece that combines rich chocolate with the bright, zesty notes of orange. This unique flavor pairing creates a sophisticated dessert that is perfect for any celebration, be it a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering. The layers of flavors will have your guests asking for seconds, and the combination of chocolate and orange is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Not only does this cake deliver on taste, but it also provides an unforgettable sensory experience. The aroma of freshly baked chocolate mingling with citrus zest fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist. Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, ensuring that every bite is a delightful indulgence.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Baking Hear Me Out Cake, it’s crucial to accurately measure your ingredients. Use the spoon and level method for flour, ensuring you don't pack it into the measuring cup. This simple step can make a significant difference in the cake’s overall lightness and moisture level.
Another tip for a moist cake is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is not what we want. Additionally, be sure to cool your cakes completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Baking Hear Me Out Cake, presentation can elevate the experience. Consider garnishing with fresh orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra layer of indulgence, making it even more memorable.
For a more festive touch, try serving it with a rich chocolate sauce drizzled over the top or alongside a refreshing fruit compote. These simple additions can enhance the overall flavor profile and create a visually stunning dessert that will wow your guests.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp heavy cream
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Incorporate Boiling Water
Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then vanilla. Adjust consistency with heavy cream.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and add the second layer. Frost the top and sides.
Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.
Storing and Freezing
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this cake!), storing them properly will keep them fresh for days. Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place them in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cake, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can re-frost or serve it as is. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert option for busy bakers who want to prepare in advance without sacrificing quality.
Variations to Try
Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful variations of the Baking Hear Me Out Cake. For instance, consider adding a splash of almond extract or coffee to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor. Alternatively, you can incorporate chocolate chips or orange zest directly into the cake for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
For a lighter version, swap out some of the all-purpose flour for almond flour or whole wheat flour. This can change the flavor profile slightly while adding nutritional benefits. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as necessary, as different flours can impact how quickly the cake cooks.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a different flavor profile.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance and frost just before serving.
→ What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.
Baking Hear Me Out Cake
Discover the delightful layers of flavor in this Baking Hear Me Out Cake, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 slices
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp heavy cream
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then vanilla. Adjust consistency with heavy cream.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and add the second layer. Frost the top and sides.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g