
Chocolate wet cake recipe
Chocolate wet cake is one of the most popular chocolate desserts, loved for its soft and moist texture. Contrary to popular belief, making this cake at home is not too complicated. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a delicious chocolate wet cake, including ingredient measurements, mixing techniques, and a special chocolate sauce. Additionally, we'll cover common baking mistakes and solutions.
Ingredients for Chocolate Wet Cake
Below is a table of ingredients and precise measurements for making a medium-sized chocolate wet cake:
Ingredient |
Specific amount |
Wheat flour (sifted) |
2 cups (about 250g) |
Sugar |
1 cup (about 200g) |
Cocoa powder |
4 to 5 tablespoon |
Eggs |
3 |
Milk |
1 cup (about 200ml) |
Vegetable oil |
½ cup (about 100ml) |
Baking powder |
2 tsp |
Vanilla extract (optional) |
¼ tsp |
Salt |
¼ tsp |
Note: The specified quantities can be adjusted based on preference and cake mold size. However, maintaining ingredient balance is essential for achieving a moist and cohesive texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chocolate Wet Cake
- Preheat the oven and prepare the mold
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes before starting.
- Choose a suitable mold (round or rectangular), grease it lightly, or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake can be easily removed after baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Sift the mixture at least twice to allow air into the flour, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
- Set aside for later incorporation into the wet ingredients.
- Beat the eggs and sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract (optional).
- Using an electric or hand whisk, mix for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture increases in volume and lightens in color. This step is crucial for cake fluffiness.
- Add milk and oil
- Gradually add milk and vegetable oil to the egg-sugar mixture, stirring at a low speed.
- Avoid overmixing to preserve the fluffiness created in the previous step.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients
- Gradually fold the flour-cocoa mixture into the wet batter in 2 to 3 stages.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon and stir gently in a circular motion to prevent air loss.
- Pour the batter into the mold and bake
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased or lined mold.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Baking time may vary based on oven power and mold size.
- After 30 minutes, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Preparing the Special Chocolate Sauce
For the perfect moist chocolate cake, you need a chocolate sauce to pour over it after baking. Here are the ingredients for the sauce:
- Milk : 1 cup
- Cocoa powder :2 tbsp
- Sugar : 2 tbsp
- Dark chocolate (optional) : 50g
- Butter (optional for richer flavor) : 1 tbsp
Steps to prepare:
- Combine milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan and heat over low heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add dark chocolate pieces or butter (if desired) for a silky texture.
- Once the mixture reaches a smooth consistency, remove from heat.
- Let it cool slightly, then pour the warm sauce over the cake.
Tip:
Use a toothpick to poke small holes in the cake before pouring the sauce, allowing it to absorb better for maximum moisture.
Key Baking Tips for a Moist and Even Cake
- Use fresh ingredients: Old eggs or flour can negatively affect cake texture.
- Sift flour and cocoa multiple times: This ensures better air incorporation and a fluffier cake.
- Proper mixing: Beat eggs and sugar well, but once flour is added, avoid excessive mixing.
- Oven temperature control: If the oven is too hot, the outer layer burns while the inside remains raw.
- Pour warm sauce over a warm cake: The best time to apply chocolate sauce is when the cake is still warm, but not overly hot.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Cake is dry
- It may have overbaked or lacked sufficient sauce. Check after 30 minutes to avoid overcooking, and apply a generous amount of sauce for extra moisture.
- Cake doesn’t rise
- Eggs and sugar were not beaten properly, or baking powder was expired.
- The oven was not preheated, causing the batter to sit too long and lose its fluffiness.
- Cake rises too much and cracks
- Oven temperature was too high or excessive baking powder was used.
- Repeatedly opening the oven door during baking disrupted temperature balance.
- Cake remains raw inside
- The mold was too deep, but baking time wasn’t adjusted.
- Oven wasn’t hot enough, or baking time was too short.
Final Words
Chocolate wet cake, with its moist and soft texture, is a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. By following precise ingredient measurements, proper mixing techniques, and correct oven settings, you can achieve a perfectly moist and delicious homemade cake. The secret to the “wet” texture is the warm chocolate sauce, which enhances its richness.
Remember: Baking mistakes are part of the learning process, but by recognizing issues and applying solutions, your cakes will improve every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I replace vegetable oil with butter?
Yes! However, slightly increase the quantity (100–110g of butter instead of ½ cup oil) to maintain moisture. Butter adds a rich aroma but may slightly reduce moisture.
- Why is my cake too dense?
Overmixing after adding flour or overbaking can result in a dense cake. Follow instructions carefully.
- How can I make the chocolate sauce thicker?
Reduce milk quantity or increase cocoa powder and sugar. Adding melted dark chocolate or butter creates a thicker consistency.
- Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder for the sauce?
Yes, but adjust sugar or sweetener to balance the bitterness.
- Can I freeze the chocolate wet cake?
Yes! After cooling, store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, remove a few hours before consumption to allow it to reach room temperature.
By following these tips, you can confidently bake a rich, moist, and flavorful chocolate wet cake at home. Enjoy your delicious creation!