Print

Irresistibly Rich Small Chocolate Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful small chocolate cake with a rich, fudgy texture and heavenly icing, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120g) full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120mL) boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small round cake pan (6-inch) and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, blend the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Incorporate the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth. Add the instant espresso powder if desired.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  6. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in the salt, vanilla, and milk until fluffy and smooth.

Notes

Sift dry ingredients to prevent clumping. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.