Description
This festive holiday dessert features a rich and moist chocolate cake topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for sharing, this indulgent treat combines classic flavors and a velvety texture, making it a must-have addition to any holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you begin baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor to your batter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare baking pan: Grease a baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Make the frosting: While the cake bakes or cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and serve: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve your delicious holiday cake to enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness before removing the cake from the oven.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance sweetness.
- The frosting can be flavored with a hint of lemon zest or a teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
