Classic Chocolate Cake

I think everyone needs a good chocolate cake recipe in their arsenal. You know the kind – the kind of cake that makes everyone go “ummmmm” and want to come back for seconds (or thirds!) My problem is that I can never just stick with one recipe, because I’m always wanting to try new ones!! This cake certainly fit the bill of a delicious, moist, chocolaty cake, but I still think it was missing that “WOW” factor that I am looking for.

I was actually going back through some photos and doing some organizing when I found the picture of this cake. I made it back last year in July for my husband’s birthday. All he requested was a chocolate cake, and since he is not a big frosting fan, I decided to go simply with whipped cream and strawberries. Too bad once his birthday came around, he was sick! I still made him a cake – everyone needs a cake on their birthday! He managed to eat a slice, but it’s never fun to be sick on your birthday.

Do you have a killer chocolate cake recipe that is so good that you use it and no other recipe?

Classic Chocolate Cake
from Better Homes and Gardens New Baking Book

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups water

Grease and lightly flour two 9 inch round baking pans. (I used a bundt pan and it worked great!) Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in the chocolate and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and water alternately to the beaten mixture, beating on low speed after each. Pour into the prepared pan(s).

Bake in a 350F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans. Cool completely on a wire rack.