Indulge in the decadence of a towering chocolate birthday cake, a majestic centerpiece that will steal the show at any celebration. This culinary masterpiece combines three layers of moist chocolate cake, each layer generously filled with rich chocolate ganache and fluffy chocolate buttercream. The cake is then enveloped in a cascade of chocolate ganache, creating a glossy and irresistible finish. To elevate the experience, the cake is adorned with an array of chocolate decorations, including chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, and even miniature chocolate candies. With its symphony of chocolate flavors and textures, this grand cake promises an unforgettable taste experience that will leave your guests in awe. In addition to the main recipe, this article also offers variations to cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a gluten-free or vegan version, or if you're looking to add a personal touch with different frosting options or decorations, you'll find all the inspiration you need to craft the perfect chocolate birthday cake.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
RUTH REICHL'S GIANT CHOCOLATE CAKE
In her new book, "My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life," Ruth Reichl calls this the cake that cures everything. The recipe produces a large stacked rectangular layer cake with whipped cream cheese in the frosting to add lightness and stability. The cake is very tender, based on a technique she first started using when she was a cook at the Swallow, a restaurant collective in Berkeley, Calif.
Provided by Kim Severson
Categories cakes, dessert
Time 1h30m
Yield 20 to 25 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter two large rectangular baking pans (13 by 9 by 2 inches) and line them with waxed or parchment paper. Butter the paper and dust the pans with cocoa (you could use flour, but cocoa adds color and flavor).
- Measure the cocoa powder into a bowl, and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water until it is smooth, dark and so glossy it reminds you of chocolate pudding. Whisk in the milk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk the flour with the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Put the butter into the bowl of a stand mixer and beat in the sugars until it is light, fluffy and the color of coffee with cream (about 5 minutes). One at a time, add the eggs, beating for about 20 seconds after each before adding the next. On low speed, beat in the flour mixture in 3 batches and the cocoa mixture in 2, alternating flour-cocoa-flour-cocoa-flour.
- Pour half of the batter into each pan and smooth the tops. Bake in the middle of the oven until a tester comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes. Let the pans rest on cooling racks for 2 minutes, then turn the cakes onto racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Chop the chocolate and melt it in a double boiler. Let it cool so that you can comfortably put your finger in it. While it's cooling, mix the butter with the whipped cream cheese. Add the chocolate, the vanilla and a dash of salt, and mix in the confectioners' sugar until it looks like frosting, at least 5 minutes. Assemble the cake, spreading about a third of the frosting on one of the cooled layers, then putting the second layer on top and frosting the assembled cake.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 453, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 52 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 260 milligrams, Sugar 42 grams, TransFat 1 gram
BIG BIRTHDAY COOKIE CAKE
This is always a hit. I have made this for school functions, birthdays, and many other occasions. Easy to make and decorate for any occasion.
Provided by pljma5
Time 35m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 16-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray.
- Mix hot water and baking soda together in a small bowl; set aside.
- Cream margarine, brown sugar, and white sugar together. Add pudding mix, eggs, and baking soda mixture; mix until well combined. Slowly mix in flour until smooth. Blend in chocolate chips. Spread in the prepared pizza pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.6 calories, Carbohydrate 41.9 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 14.8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 250 mg, Sugar 25.2 g
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss anything.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: When baking, it's important to use room temperature ingredients. This will help your ingredients mix together more easily and will result in a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Bake the Cake Until a Toothpick Inserted in the Center Comes Out Clean: This is the best way to ensure that your cake is cooked through.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting: This will help the frosting to set properly.
- Use a Variety of Frosting Techniques: Don't just stick to one frosting technique. Try using different tips and techniques to create different looks and textures.
Conclusion:
Baking a big chocolate birthday cake is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a delicious and beautiful cake that will be the star of the show. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your cake turns out perfect. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
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