Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until the batter begins to combine.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, combine sugar, cream of tartar, salt, egg whites, and water in a heatproof bowl.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.
- Beat the mixture continuously with a hand mixer for about 7 minutes until thick, glossy, and stiff peaks form.
- Remove from heat and beat in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting immediately over the cooled cake layers, stacking them and covering the top and sides.
Notes
- Boiling water helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates a deeper chocolate flavor.
- The cake batter will be thin, which is normal for moist chocolate cakes.
- Use the frosting immediately after making it for the best texture and volume.
- For a mocha variation, add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts can be added for extra texture.
- The cake can be baked in a 9×13 inch pan if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg