Chocolate cake with nuts

A Chocolate Cake with Nuts is a rich and decadent dessert that pairs the intense flavor of chocolate with the crunch and nuttiness of various nuts. Here’s a recipe for a moist chocolate cake enhanced with your choice of nuts:

Chocolate Cake with Nuts Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup nuts (such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For Garnish (optional):

• Chopped nuts
• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh berries

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).

6. Add nuts: Fold in the chopped nuts.

7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed until fully combined.

3. Add cream, vanilla, and salt: Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting over the top.

2. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.

3. Frost the cake: Spread the remaining chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 4: Garnish (Optional)

1. Decorate: Garnish the cake with additional chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, and fresh berries if desired.

This Chocolate Cake with Nuts is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the crunchy texture of nuts. It’s perfect for any occasion or as a special dessert for chocolate lovers. Enjoy!