World's Best Chocolate Cake

Gerry Frank has long had a sweet tooth. When Franks friend, Sen Mark Hatfield, first ran for governor of Oregon in 1959, he made a plan. Hatfield said, If I win, Im going to have you appointed as the cake taster at the Oregon State Fair, Frank remembered. Hatfield won the race and Frank has been tasting cakes ever since. I take two bites of each cake, said Frank, who downs Pepto-Bismol to make it through the competitions. Of all the cakes he has judged, this adaptation of an early winner is his favorite.

World's Best Chocolate Cake
World's Best Chocolate Cake

Gerry Frank has long had a sweet tooth. When Franks friend, Sen Mark Hatfield, first ran for governor of Oregon in 1959, he made a plan. Hatfield said, If I win, Im going to have you appointed as the cake taster at the Oregon State Fair, Frank remembered. Hatfield won the race and Frank has been tasting cakes ever since. I take two bites of each cake, said Frank, who downs Pepto-Bismol to make it through the competitions. Of all the cakes he has judged, this adaptation of an early winner is his favorite.

  • Preparing Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Served Person: 12
  • Carbohydrate 103.615098900956 g
  • Cholesterol 203.804861200866 mg
  • Fat 56.394532535732 g
  • Fiber 1.51049613523976 g
  • Protein 5.37927600433163 g
  • Saturated Fat 34.946001844701 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (248g)
  • Sodium 8632.66027946351 mg
  • Sugar 102.104602765716 g
  • Trans Fat 3.95678281353297 g
  • Calories 917 calories

Step-by-step

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter and flour two, 9-inch cake pans.
  • Line bottoms with parchment or waxed paper cut into circles.
  • Butter and flour paper.
  • Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
  • Cream butter in another large bowl with electric mixer.
  • Gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed 1 minute.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating a minute after each addition.
  • Gradually add water and vanilla; beat 1 minute.
  • Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, beating on low between additions, just until flour is no longer visible.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans; tap pan to settle batter.
  • Bake until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
  • Cool 10 minutes; invert cakes onto wire racks.
  • Cool completely before frosting.
  • For frosting, combine chocolate chips, butter and whipping cream in double boiler top; heat over water on medium heat, stirring, until mixture is smooth, 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Whisk in confectioners' sugar.
  • Place pan over a bowl filled with ice; whisk until frosting holds its shape, about 10 minutes.
World's Best Chocolate Cake - A Baker's Tale

My Chocolate Cake Obsession: A Story of Sweet Success

For years, I've been on a quest for the perfect chocolate cake. Not just any chocolate cake, mind you, but a cake that transports you to a place of pure, unadulterated chocolate bliss. A cake so rich, so decadent, so utterly divine that it leaves you speechless. I've baked countless cakes, experimented with countless recipes, and sampled countless cakes at fairs and bake-offs. I've tasted cakes that were dry, cakes that were too sweet, cakes that were bland, and cakes that simply didn't capture that elusive "wow" factor. The search has been long and, let me tell you, sometimes frustrating. But it's been a journey filled with delicious surprises and unexpected discoveries along the way.

My love for baking started in my grandmother's kitchen. The warm aroma of freshly baked goods, the rhythmic clanging of pots and pans, the comforting sight of her flour-dusted apron – these are the memories that shaped my childhood and ignited my passion for creating culinary masterpieces. Her chocolate cake recipe was legendary in our family, a closely guarded secret passed down through generations. It was a rich, moist, intensely chocolatey cake that always stole the show at family gatherings. But as I grew older and my own tastes evolved, I felt the need to explore, experiment, and create my own unique chocolate cake experience. This is where my journey began, a relentless pursuit of the ultimate chocolate cake.

I scoured cookbooks, explored online forums, and even attended baking classes in pursuit of perfection. I tested different techniques, different ingredients, and different baking methods. Sometimes the results were spectacular, sometimes they were... less so. I learned that even the smallest adjustments can make a huge difference in the final product. The type of cocoa powder, the quality of the butter, the temperature of the oven – every detail matters when it comes to baking the perfect chocolate cake. I also learned about the importance of patience and precision. Baking, I discovered, is an art form that demands both careful attention to detail and a willingness to experiment.

Then I found it. A recipe that captured everything I had been searching for. It’s a recipe that seamlessly marries the classic elements of a timeless chocolate cake with a modern twist, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. The result? A cake that's supremely moist, incredibly rich, and intensely chocolatey, with a delightfully soft crumb. The frosting complements the cake beautifully, providing a smooth, creamy contrast to the dense chocolatey layers beneath. The combination is truly heavenly.

This recipe has become a staple in my repertoire, the one I reach for when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a moment of pure indulgence. It’s a cake that’s as versatile as it is delicious, capable of being dressed up for a special occasion or kept simple for a casual gathering. It’s a recipe that's easy to follow, yet yields extraordinary results, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers alike. And honestly? It's the cake that finally brought my long search to a satisfying end.

But this isn’t just about the cake itself. It's about the memories created around the table, the shared laughter and conversation, and the joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones. It's about the warmth of a kitchen filled with the sweet scent of baking, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious with your own hands. This is a cake that evokes emotion, a taste of home, a feeling of comfort and joy. And to me, that's what makes it truly the best.

So, the next time you're looking for the ultimate chocolate cake, look no further. This recipe is the culmination of countless hours of baking, experimenting, and tasting. It's a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and a whole lot of chocolate. I invite you to try it – I think you’ll agree it's the world’s best.