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Maggiano's Chocolate Cake

This Maggiano's Chocolate Cake recipe is a moist and rich chocolate cake with a creamy chocolate frosting. The cake is made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, and the frosting is made with butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.
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Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inch)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking spray
  • - Wire rack
  • Offset spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 and 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

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until well combined. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy.
  • Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined.
  • Increase the speed to medium and beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

To Assemble the Cake:

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake, using an offset spatula to smooth it out.
  • Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and press down lightly to secure it in place.
  • Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake, using an offset spatula to smooth it out.
  • Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
  • Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread a thick layer of frosting over the entire cake, using an offset spatula to smooth it out.
  • Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, if desired.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Be sure to use boiling water for the cake batter as this helps to activate the cocoa powder and make the cake moist.
  • You can adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding more powdered sugar or milk, depending on your preference.
  • You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cake batter for extra texture and flavor.
Keyword chocolate cake, Maggiano's