Easter Chocolate Cake with Rich Cocoa Frosting Recipe
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.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Decorate: Top the frosted cake with festive Easter decorations such as chocolate eggs, bunnies, and colorful sprinkles to add seasonal cheer.
- 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