Add the batter to the pan
chocolate cake batter poured into a greased and floured 13×9-inch baking pan
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Pour the chocolate cake batter into a greased and floured 13×9-inch baking pan.
Step 4: Bake the cake
Slide the cake into the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: You will know your cake is done when either a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Test the cake at the minimum baking time. If the toothpick still has batter or extremely moist crumbs on it, continue baking and test the cake again at the maximum baking time.
Step 5: Cool and decorate
Homemade Chocolate Cake batter
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Cool the cake completely on a wire rack. Once the cake is at room temperature, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar or top it with your favorite frosting.
Homemade Chocolate Cake
ALLISON CEBULLA FOR TASTE OF HOME
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Recipe Variations
Add a bit of espresso powder: What’s the secret ingredient for better chocolate desserts? Espresso powder! And no, it won’t make your chocolate dessert taste like coffee. Instead, espresso powder accentuates the chocolate flavor. Interested? Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the dry mixture of this recipe for chocolate cake from scratch.
Go gluten-free: It’s super easy to make our classic chocolate cake recipe from scratch gluten-free. Buy one of the best gluten-free flour blends and substitute it for the all-purpose flour.
Make it dairy-free: Need a dairy-free chocolate cake? Replace the butter with vegan butter and use your favorite nondairy milk alternative in place of the 2% milk.
How to Store Homemade Chocolate Cake
Store homemade chocolate cake in the fridge for up to four days. I always like to press a piece of storage wrap against any cut sides so the crumb doesn’t dry out. You should also cover the cake with storage wrap or store it in an airtight container to ensure the cake doesn’t absorb any lingering fridge smells.
Can you freeze homemade chocolate cake?
Yes, you can freeze homemade chocolate cake, frosted or unfrosted, for up to two months. To really protect the cake against freezer burn, cover the pan tightly with storage wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for one hour.
Can you make homemade chocolate cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make homemade chocolate cake ahead of time. Either fully bake and assemble it the day before serving, or bake the chocolate cake the day before and then frost the cake in the morning. You can also freeze the cake (frosted or unfrosted) for up to two months. Thaw it at room temperature for one hour before enjoying.
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