Chocolate Christmas Cake: 7 Blissful Reasons to Bake It

Name: Chocolate Christmas Cake: 7 Blissful Reasons to Bake It
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water

novembre 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the kitchen fills with the rich, comforting aroma of chocolate wafting through the air—can you smell it? This chocolate Christmas cake is my go-to recipe that never fails to impress! It’s so moist and decadent, with a deep chocolate flavor that just dances on your taste buds. Picture this: a warm slice topped with creamy chocolate icing, maybe even a sprinkle of festive decorations. Trust me, this cake is going to be the star of your holiday celebrations, bringing smiles and sweet moments to everyone at the table!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While the oven is warming up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them generously with butter or cooking spray, and then dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Trust me, you don’t want your masterpiece to get stuck!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring together all those dry ingredients. Combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons each of baking powder and baking soda, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is important to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents and flavors throughout your cake.

Add Wet Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Add in 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy. The batter should look rich and luscious—just wait until you taste it!

Combine with Boiling Water

Next, here comes a little twist—carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Don’t worry, this step helps enhance the moisture and richness of the cake! Just be cautious as you add the water; it can splatter a bit. Mix until everything’s combined, and you’ll notice your batter is quite thin. That’s perfectly okay!

Bake the Cake

Pour that heavenly batter evenly into the prepared pans. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, gently insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key for a perfectly moist cake!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for one slice of this delightful chocolate Christmas cake. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 5g

This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also packs a bit of energy to keep you going through those festive celebrations! Enjoy every delicious slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and decadent chocolate flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth—seriously, it’s that good!
Perfect for festive occasions, bringing that holiday cheer to your dessert table.
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—no complicated shopping needed!
Easy-to-follow steps that make this a great recipe for both new and experienced bakers.
Great for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite frostings or decorations for that extra special touch.

Tips for Success

Getting this chocolate Christmas cake just right is all about a few key tips that I’ve picked up over the years. Trust me, these little tricks will make a world of difference!

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients with precision. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the most accurate results, especially for flour and sugar.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures your cake rises nicely.
Mixing Techniques: When adding your wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake. You want that light and fluffy texture that makes every bite heavenly!
Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder: The quality of cocoa powder you choose can really affect the flavor of your cake. Go for a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Boiling Water: It might seem odd, but adding boiling water to the batter is crucial for moisture. It helps bloom the cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor and keeping your cake super moist.
Test for Doneness: Besides the toothpick test, gently press the center of the cake; it should spring back when it’s done. If it leaves an indent, it needs a little longer in the oven.
Cool Completely: Be patient and let your cakes cool completely before frosting. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting can melt, and nobody wants a gooey mess!
Frosting Choices: While chocolate icing is a classic, feel free to experiment! A cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely twist to your cake.

With these tips, you’ll have a chocolate Christmas cake that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this chocolate Christmas cake recipe! Here are some of my favorite variations that will add a festive twist to your holiday baking:

Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor. Top with crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch!
Chocolate Orange: Incorporate the zest of one orange into your batter and a splash of orange juice. It creates a beautiful citrusy contrast with the rich chocolate.
Spiced Chocolate: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that screams holiday spirit. You can even add some ground ginger for extra warmth!
Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking for a delightful texture and extra flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand really elevates their taste!
Layered Delight: Bake the cakes and slice them in half horizontally to create layers. Layer with different fillings like raspberry jam, whipped cream, or even a rich ganache for a show-stopping dessert!
Festive Frosting: Instead of traditional chocolate icing, try a white chocolate ganache or a rich cream cheese frosting. You can even color your frosting with red and green food coloring for a cheerful holiday look!
Holiday Sprinkles: Get creative with your decorations! Use festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or even chocolate shavings to make your cake visually stunning.

These variations will not only personalize your chocolate Christmas cake but also impress your friends and family with every bite. So go ahead, experiment a little, and enjoy the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve indulged in your delicious chocolate Christmas cake, you might have some leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!). To keep your cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Now, if you do have some cake stashed away in the fridge and want to enjoy it later, reheating is super simple! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the slice of cake on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll have a warm slice that tastes freshly baked!

Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave! Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second intervals until it’s warmed through. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a dry cake! Enjoy every bite of your delightful chocolate Christmas cake, whether it’s freshly baked or warmed up!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for the best texture. The cake may turn out slightly different in consistency, but it’ll still be delicious!

What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce—about 1/4 cup per egg works well. You can also try flaxseed meal; mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the cakes before frosting them; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months!

How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Also, gently pressing the top of the cake should make it spring back if it’s done.

What’s the best way to frost the cake?
Make sure your cake is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting. If you want a smoother finish, you can chill the cake for about 30 minutes before frosting. For a rustic look, a simple offset spatula works wonders, or you can get fancy with a piping bag for decorative touches!

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to boost that chocolate flavor. Just toss in about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before you pour the batter into the pans. They’ll melt slightly while baking and create little pockets of gooey goodness!

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
Store your leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.