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Easter Chocolate Cake with Rich Cocoa Frosting Recipe

4.8 from 97 reviews

This delightful Easter Cake is a moist and rich chocolate cake, perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Featuring a luscious chocolate batter made with cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, the cake is topped with a creamy, silky chocolate frosting and decorated with festive Easter chocolate eggs, bunnies, and sprinkles for a fun and inviting presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
  • ½ cup (60g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 ⅔ cups (330g) sugar (granulated or caster)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tbsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅞ cup (200g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (225ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate chips (melted and cooled)

Chocolate Frosting Ingredients

  • 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 6 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • ⅔ cup (150g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (double cream)
  • 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate chips (melted and cooled) – included above

Decoration

  • Easter chocolate eggs, bunnies, sprinkles etc.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Pan: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). Lightly mist a 9×13 inch rectangular cake pan with cake release spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add softened butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla bean paste to the dry ingredients. Begin mixing on the lowest speed until ingredients start to come together.
  4. Beat Batter Smooth: Gradually increase the mixer speed until the batter becomes completely smooth and well combined. Stop to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be risen and springy to the touch.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  7. Melt Chocolate for Frosting: Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler method over simmering water. Set aside to cool slightly.
  8. Prepare the Frosting Dry Mix: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, sift and combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth frosting.
  9. Make the Frosting: Add softened butter to the dry mixture and beat on low speed, gradually pouring in the heavy cream until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
  10. Add Melted Chocolate: Pour the cooled melted chocolate into the frosting and continue beating until the frosting forms soft peaks and is light and fluffy.
  11. Frost the Cake: Using a palette knife or spatula, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake, creating swirls or smooth finish as desired.
  12. Decorate: Top the frosted cake with festive Easter decorations such as chocolate eggs, bunnies, and colorful sprinkles to add seasonal cheer.
  13. Slice and Serve: Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into slices. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain neat slices and serve.

Notes

  • Be sure to let both the cake and melted chocolate cool appropriately before combining in the frosting to prevent melting or separation.
  • Using buttermilk adds tenderness and moisture to the cake; you can substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if necessary.
  • Decorate creatively with seasonal Easter chocolates and sprinkles to make the cake festive and appealing to kids and adults alike.
  • The cake pan size (9×13 inch) is important to ensure proper baking time and cake thickness.
  • The cinnamon is optional but adds a subtle warm note that pairs nicely with chocolate.

Keywords: Easter Cake, Chocolate Cake, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cake, Chocolate Frosting, Easter Celebration