1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 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 hot coffee (or hot water)
1 cup mayonnaise (this is the secret ingredient!)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Cake Batter:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine, ensuring that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Incorporate the Secret Ingredient: Stir in the mayonnaise, which adds incredible moisture and richness to the cake without altering the flavor. The mayonnaise is the “deep dark secret” that makes this chocolate cake stand out.
Add Hot Coffee: Gradually stir in the hot coffee (or hot water) into the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is what gives the cake its super moist texture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Frosting:
Cream the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
Add Cocoa Powder: Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the butter, beating until well combined.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Milk: Alternately add the powdered sugar and milk to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until fully combined. Continue to beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the frosting.
Assembling the Deep Dark Secret Chocolate Cake:
Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting over the top.
Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the first, aligning it carefully. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Decorate: If desired, you can garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.
Serving and Enjoying:
This Deep Dark Secret Chocolate Cake is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. The cake is incredibly moist, with a rich chocolate taste that is complemented by the smooth, creamy frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers, and the secret ingredient ensures that it stays moist for days, if it lasts that long!
