Eggless chocolate birthday cake
Ingredients for Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Ingredients for Chocolate Frosting:
- 2 cups warm coffee (espresso shots or 2 cups warm water mixed with 2 tsp instant coffee powder)
- 2 tbsp rice white vinegar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 12 oz. cream cheese; room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter; room temperature
- 4.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Recipe:
- Preparing the cake: Sift the dry ingredients to make sure there are no lumps, lumps of cocoa powder will result in a bitter tasting cake. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together ensuring that cocoa powder is spread evenly throughout the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients together.
- Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until a smooth batter is formed. Divide equally between buttered cake pans, and bake in a preheated oven at 350˚F for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for about 15 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Recipe for chocolate frosting: Use an electric/hand-held mixer to combine 12 oz of cream cheese with 1 cup of butter at medium/high speed until creamy (3 -5 min). Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
- Sift in 4.5 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix on low speed until well combined. When combined, increase the speed to medium/high and cream the mixture until smooth (2 mins). Finally, add 2 tsp of vanilla and beat on medium/high until well whipped (1 min).
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To prepare the cake, place one sheet of cake upside down to ensure a smooth surface. Use 1/3 of the frosting and spread it evenly on the cake. Place the second sheet of cake on top, gently pressing the second layer so it sticks well with the frosting. Take the remaining frosting and spread it evenly around the top of the cake, and then the sides. Use a spatula for a smooth look.
- Place fresh raspberries (or any berry of choice) at the center of your cake. Sift powdered sugar on the berries and dig in 🙂