Straightforward Paula Deen Chocolate Cake Recipe Ideas for Sweet Treats

Chocolate cake transforms ordinary moments into sweet celebrations, bringing comfort and joy to any gathering.

Decadent layers of rich, velvety goodness promise an indulgent experience that delights the senses.

Soft, moist textures meld with deep cocoa flavors, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Southern baking traditions shine through in this classic recipe, where simple ingredients combine with culinary magic.

Passionate home bakers and dessert lovers understand the power of a perfectly crafted chocolate confection.

Generous portions and irresistible aromas invite everyone to the table, sparking conversation and creating memories.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite among friends and family: prepare to be amazed.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake So Irresistible

• Create Effortless Decadence: This chocolate cake recipe delivers rich, moist layers without complicated techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Indulge in Intensely Chocolatey Comfort: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate ganache creates a deep, luxurious chocolate experience that satisfies serious chocolate lovers with every single bite.
• Transform Simple Ingredients into Spectacular Dessert: Using basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder, you can craft an impressive cake that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, making it an ideal recipe for surprising friends and family with minimal effort.

Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake

• Plain Flour: Provides structure and texture to the chocolate cake.
• Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Powder, Bicarbonate of Soda: Leavening agents for soft, fluffy cake.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa and creates a thin, moist batter.

• Plain Chocolate: Main flavor component for rich chocolate coating.
• Double Cream: Creates smooth, glossy ganache with luxurious texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line 2 cake pans (8-inch diameter). Gather all ingredients and baking tools.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

• Plain flour
• Caster sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Bicarbonate of soda

• 2 eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly using an electric mixer or whisk until the batter is completely smooth.

Step 3: Add Boiling Water

Slowly pour boiling water into the batter, stirring continuously. The batter will become very thin – this is perfectly normal.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center. The skewer should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked.

Step 5: Cool Cake Layers

Remove cake pans from the oven and let them cool completely inside the pans. This prevents the cake from breaking apart.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

• Plain chocolate
• Double cream

Heat on low, stirring until chocolate melts completely. Remove from heat and whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow ganache to cool for 1-2 hours until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Chocolate Cake

Carefully remove cakes from pans by running a knife around the edges. Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top.

Step 8: Finish Cake Decoration

Place second cake layer on top. Use a palette knife to spread remaining ganache evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Serve and enjoy your delicious chocolate cake!

Perfecting Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake

• Capture Chocolate's Soul: Select dark chocolate with minimum 60% cocoa content to unlock deep, complex flavor profiles in your ganache.
• Master Moisture Magic: Pour boiling water gradually into batter, ensuring silky smoothness without creating unwanted lumps.
• Precision Matters Most: Invest in kitchen scale or accurate measuring tools to guarantee perfect ingredient proportions every single time.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow cake layers to cool completely inside baking tins before attempting frosting to prevent ganache from melting.
• Temperature Technique: Refrigerate ganache for 10-15 minutes if consistency feels too soft, creating ideal spreading texture without compromising taste.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake

• Refrigerate: Seal the cake's moisture and flavor by wrapping it in tight plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Keep the cake in the refrigerator's coolest section, away from strong-smelling foods that might transfer odors. Enjoy the delicious chocolate cake within 4-5 days for maximum freshness and taste.
• Freeze: Protect each cake layer by individually wrapping them in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date to track storage time. Frozen chocolate cake maintains its delectable texture for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the cake to gradually reach room temperature before serving to preserve its soft, moist crumb.
• Counter Storage: Consume unfrosted cake within 1-2 days when stored in a cake dome or covered with a loose tent of aluminum foil. Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying out or spoiling quickly.

Delicious Variations on Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake

• Mocha Magic: Enhance the chocolate cake by adding 2 tablespoons of strong espresso to the batter for a rich coffee undertone. Dust the top with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold in 100g chopped roasted hazelnuts or almonds into the batter before baking. Sprinkle additional crushed nuts between ganache layers for extra texture.
• Berry Chocolate Dream: Create a raspberry or strawberry compote by simmering fresh berries with a little sugar. Layer the compote between cake layers before adding ganache for a fruity complement to the chocolate.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the ganache layers. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to create a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that elevates the classic chocolate cake.

Final Words on Paula Deen’s Chocolate Cake

Chocolate dreams come alive with Paula Deen’s masterpiece, an indulgent journey through rich layers of cocoa magic.

Memorable moments sparkle when chocolate meets cream in this irresistible creation.

Complex flavors dance across taste buds, revealing subtle nuances of sweetness and depth.

Culinary passion radiates from each carefully crafted slice, promising pure chocolate enchantment.

Baking becomes an art form with this remarkable recipe that celebrates pure chocolate pleasure.

Fans of chocolate bliss, your next kitchen adventure awaits – share this delectable discovery, comment with your chocolate experiences, and spread sweet inspiration across social platforms.

Paula Deen Chocolate Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort meets chocolate bliss in this Paula Deen chocolate cake. Rich, moist layers promise indulgent moments that melt away stress, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure chocolatey happiness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 milliliters (9 fluid ounces) boiling water
• 250 milliliters (9 fluid ounces) milk
• 225 grams (8 ounces) plain flour
• 200 grams (7 ounces) plain chocolate
• 200 milliliters (7 fluid ounces) double cream
• 2 free-range eggs

Sweeteners and Powders:

• 350 grams (12.5 ounces) caster sugar
• 85 grams (3 ounces) cocoa powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda

Liquid Ingredients:

• 125 milliliters (4.5 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F) with fan setting at 160°C. Thoroughly grease and line two 20-centimeter (8-inch) round cake tins with parchment paper.
2. Create a comprehensive cake batter by combining plain flour, caster sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then whisk energetically until the mixture achieves a uniformly smooth texture.
3. Introduce boiling water gradually into the batter, stirring continuously. The mixture will appear unusually thin, which is perfectly normal and essential for the cake’s final texture.
4. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins, ensuring consistent depth. Position the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should emerge clean without any wet batter.
5. Allow the cakes to cool completely within the tins, which helps maintain their structural integrity and prevents potential cracking.
6. Craft a luxurious chocolate ganache by gently heating plain chocolate and double cream in a small saucepan over low temperature. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy consistency. Allow the ganache to cool and thicken for 1-2 hours until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
7. Carefully extract the cooled cakes from their tins by running a knife around the edges. Transfer the first cake layer to a serving plate and generously spread a layer of ganache across its surface.
8. Position the second cake layer atop the first, then use a palette knife to meticulously cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache, creating an elegant, even coating on the top and sides.

Notes

• Chocolate’s quality matters most when selecting ingredients for this decadent dessert.
• Boiling water transforms batter texture, creating incredible moisture throughout the cake.
• Kitchen scales guarantee precision, preventing baking mishaps and ensuring consistent results.
• Patience during cooling prevents ganache from becoming a runny disaster.
• Slightly chilled ganache provides the perfect spreadable consistency for seamless cake decoration.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 50g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 31mg