Easter Chocolate Cake

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups of all-purpose flour

2 cups of granulated sugar

3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp of baking powder

1 1/2 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of salt

1 cup of milk

1/2 cup of vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 tsp of vanilla extract

1 cup of boiling water

For the frosting:

1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter, softened

1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

5 cups of powdered sugar

1/2 cup of milk

1 tsp of vanilla extract

Easter candy for decoration (such as chocolate bunnies and Cadbury Mini Eggs)

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and flour three 22cm cake pans.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together until well combined.

4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Add the boiling water to the batter and mix until well combined. The batter will be thin and runny.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean.

8. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing and frosting.

9. To make the frosting, beat the butter and cocoa powder together until smooth.

10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and creamy.

11. Place the first cake layer on a cake plate or stand and spread a layer of frosting on top.

12. Add the second cake layer on top of the frosting and spread another layer of frosting on top.

13. Place the final cake layer on top of the frosting and spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake.

14. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to set the frosting.

15. Once the frosting is set, add a final layer of frosting over the entire cake, using a spatula or offset knife to create a smooth finish.

16. Decorate the top of the cake with Easter candy, such as chocolate bunnies and Cadbury Mini Eggs, to create a fun and festive Easter design.