- 1
Adjust oven temperature to 180 C and start preheating it. By doing this, you can be sure the oven is set at the ideal temperature for evenly baking your cake.
- 2
Grease a 20cm circular cake tin and cover with parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking to the tin. You could also use cooking spray if it feels more handy.
- 3
Grab a large bowl and add all-purpose flour, some sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda to. You want to ensure that all your ingredients measure correctly, as specified in the ingredients section.
- 4
To prevent the formation of any lumps, sifting is a crucial step. It will also keep your flour consistent.
- 5
Beat together two big eggs, 120 ml vegetable oil, 240 ml milk, and 2 tsp vanilla essence in a separate bowl. Mix these ingredients until well combined, creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
- 6
Add the wet components to the dry ingredients gradually and stir until well mixed. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the cake's texture.
- 7
When the batter is smooth, gradually add 240 ml of hot water while stirring. A thinner, more fluid batter is produced when the hot water partially dissolves the cocoa powder. This gives the cake a moist texture. Transfer the mixture to the cake pan that has already been prepared.
- 8
Place the tin in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean, it has been baked for 30 to 35 minutes. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Leave the cake out to cool for about ten minutes. Finally, transfer it to a cooling rack for a while. This will ensure that the bottom of your cake doesn't get soggy.
- 9
In a double boiler over low heat, combine 400 g chopped dark chocolate and 400 ml heavy cream; whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. This is how to make the chocolate truffle frosting. The double boiler method ensures gentle, even melting without burning the chocolate. When it cools to room temperature, remove from the heat source.
- 10
Whisk the frosting until it thickens and spreads after it has cooled. Using a uniform layer, cover the edges and top of the cooled cake with frosting.
- 11
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder can be used to decorate the cake. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the chocolate flavour.
- 12
Store in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps in the setting of the frosting and allows clean cake slicing.