Here’s a rich and Moist Chocolate Cake recipe — decadent, fudgy, and perfect for any occasion! 🍫✨

🌿 Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high quality for the best flavor)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the chocolate frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

🍰 Instructions:

For the cake:

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

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

3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add boiling water: Slowly stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin — this is normal!). It helps create a super moist, tender cake.

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. Cream butter: Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.

2. Add dry ingredients: Gradually sift in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, beating slowly to avoid a sugar cloud.

3. Add milk and vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla, beating on high until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Assemble the cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
3. For extra flair, decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of ganache.

🎂 Optional Additions:

• Raspberry twist: Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cakes for a fruity surprise.
• Coffee boost: Add 1 tsp of instant coffee to the boiling water for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Extra moisture: Brush the cake layers with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) before frosting.

Would you like to dress it up for a special occasion — maybe with whipped cream, fruit, or a glossy ganache? Let me know! 🍫💕

Smart Points Calculation

• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): ~10 points
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): ~12 points (or less with substitutes)
• Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup): ~3 points
• Eggs (2): ~4 points (or less with egg whites)
• Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): ~12 points (or less with applesauce/yogurt)
• Milk (1 cup): ~2 points (or less with almond milk)

Total Smart Points Estimate

For the entire cake, the total smart points would be approximately:

• Total Points for the Entire Cake: ~43 points (based on traditional ingredients)
• Points per Serving: ~5-6 points (assuming 8 servings)

Tips for Enjoyment

• Frosting: If adding frosting, consider a lighter option such as whipped cream or a low-calorie chocolate frosting.
• Portion Control: Serve with fresh berries to increase volume without adding many points.
• Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or espresso powder for enhanced chocolate flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and moist chocolate cake while keeping an eye on those smart points!