Nana'S Simple Chocolate Cake Recipe

Name: Nana'S Simple Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate melted; 1 stick unsalted butter; 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed; 3 eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 cups Swans Down Cake Flour sifted; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup boiling water; 5 ounces semisweet chocolate; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 2 sticks; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 7 1/2 cups confectioners sugar 2 boxes @ 3 3/4 c. each

Servings: persons

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate melted
1 stick unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups Swans Down Cake Flour sifted
1 cup sour cream
1 cup boiling water
5 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup unsalted butter softened, 2 sticks
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7 1/2 cups confectioners sugar 2 boxes @ 3 3/4 c. each

1
Preheat oven to 350 . Butter and lightly flour 3 - 8 inch layer pans. (Easy removal: butter pans, line pan bottoms with parchment paper, butter top of paper and lightly flour, shake out excess flour)
2
Sift Swans Down(R) once, measure; set aside.
3
Melt unsweetened chocolate in small microwave-safe bowl; stirring at 30 second intervals until melted (no longer than 1 minute). Stir until smooth; set aside to cool.
4
Cream butter until smooth in large bowl. Add brown sugar and eggs. Beat with mixer till light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract and chocolate, then baking soda and salt.
5
Add flour alternately with sour cream, beating until smooth. Pour in boiling water next, stirring with spoon till blended. (batter will be very thin)
6
Pour into 3 - 8 inch layer prepared pans.
7
Bake about 20 - 25 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean.
8
Cool in pans approximately 10 - 15 minutes. Remove cake layers and place on rack to complete cooling.
9
Tip: Select the 2 layers that are the most level to be the bottom 2 layers. If domed, carefully slice off dome part.
10
Frosting: Place chocolate and heavy whipping cream in small microwavable bowl, microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval (approximately 1 minute total cooking time). Let cool for 30 minutes.
11
Beat butter and chocolate mixture with mixer until smooth in large bowl. Add vanilla extract and milk. Gradually add sugar, beating well until all is blended. If needed, add more milk to achieve correct spreading consistency. Once smooth, do not continue to beat.
12
Frost cake immediately.

3959

kcal

Calories

177

Fat

588

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate melted, 1 stick unsalted butter, 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed, 3 eggs, and more.

Yes, Nana'S Simple Chocolate Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Nana'S Simple Chocolate Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions