🧁 Ingredients (Makes one 8-inch cake)
For the Cake
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1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (200 g) sugar
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½ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup (180 ml) milk (or buttermilk)
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½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup (180 ml) hot water or hot coffee (for extra flavor)
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¾ cup (90 g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds)
Optional Frosting
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½ cup (115 g) butter, softened
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2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
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¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder
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2–3 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Extra nuts for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
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Stir in hot water or coffee — batter will be thin, that’s okay!
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Fold in chopped nuts.
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Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
2. Make the Frosting (Optional)
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Beat butter until fluffy.
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Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla.
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Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Spread over cooled cake and sprinkle with extra chopped nuts.
🌟 Tips
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Toast the nuts before adding — it deepens the flavor.
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Use dark cocoa powder for a richer taste.
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For a lighter version, skip the frosting and dust with powdered sugar or cocoa.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (or refrigerate up to a week).
Would you like me to give you a version of this chocolate nut cake without eggs or dairy (a vegan-friendly recipe that’s still rich and moist)?