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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Make the Double Chocolate Cake:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
– In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
– In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Then, fold in the melted semi-sweet chocolate, ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the batter.
– Finally, pour in the boiling water and stir until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal—it helps create a moist, rich texture.
– Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### 2. **Prepare the Black Velvet Icing:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).
– Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until fully combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy.
– Add the black food coloring gel one drop at a time, mixing until you achieve a rich, deep black color. (Note: Start with a small amount of food coloring, as the color can get very dark quickly.)
– Once the icing is ready, taste and adjust the sweetness with more powdered sugar or cream, if necessary.
#### 3. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of both cakes so they’re flat and even.
– Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of black velvet icing over the top of the first layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
– Place the second layer of cake on top, pressing gently to secure it in place. Cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining black velvet icing. Use a bench scraper or offset spatula to smooth out the sides and create a sleek, polished finish.
#### 4. **Decorate and Serve:**
– Optional: You can garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, edible gold leaf, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder to add an extra touch of elegance.
– Slice and serve this indulgent, rich Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing to your family and friends. Be prepared for plenty of “OMG Yummy” moments as they take their first bite.
### Why This Cake Will Wow Your Guests:
1. **Moist and Fudgy**: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder in the cake ensures it’s as rich and fudgy as possible. This cake will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more.
2. **The Black Velvet Icing**: The smooth, creamy, and beautifully dark icing adds a touch of luxury to the cake. It complements the chocolate cake perfectly, creating a bold and sophisticated dessert that’s as tasty as it is visually stunning.
3. **Rich Flavor**: The depth of the chocolate flavor in both the cake and the icing is nothing short of incredible. From the slightly bitter cocoa to the smooth sweetness of the icing, each bite is a taste of chocolate heaven.
4. **Impressive Presentation**: The striking contrast between the deep black icing and the rich chocolate cake makes this dessert a showstopper. It’s perfect for birthday parties, weddings, or any event where you want to impress your guests with your baking skills.
### Tips for Perfecting Your Cake:
– **Use High-Quality Chocolate**: The chocolate flavor in this cake comes from both cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Using a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate will elevate the flavor.
– **Don’t Skip the Boiling Water**: The addition of boiling water intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps create a moist cake. Don’t worry—this will not make the batter runny; it just makes the cake rich and delicious.
– **Let the Cake Cool Completely**: This step is crucial for preventing the icing from melting when you frost the cake. If the cake is too warm, it can cause the icing to slide off.
– **Add a Touch of Coffee**: If you love a deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredients. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
### Conclusion:
This **Double Chocolate Cake with Black Velvet Icing** is a showstopper in every sense of the word. It’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers, offering a balance of deep, rich flavor and smooth, indulgent icing. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something truly amazing, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.
With its stunning appearance and unbeatable taste, it’s easy to see why everyone will be asking for the recipe and exclaiming, “OMG, this is YUMMY!” So get baking and treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate indulgence!
