The 'I Want Chocolate Cake' Cake | Smitten Kitchen with Deb Perelman

[@smittenkitchening]

Let me know what kind of occasions you've made this cake for!

[@enzapusillo9515]

I,love this cake, I have made it later in the day, multiple times, just for the joy of having cake.

[@jessicacoleman4253]

I made this for my husband’s birthday but most of the time I make it just because we want chocolate cake! It’s truly the best

[@KeishaShippy]

We usually head to the coast for my birthday each year so this is my "I want a chocolate birthday cake that's small enough to fit in the cooler with the rest of the food and holds fine to travel and questionable rental house fridges" cake.

[@saranuila3415]

Oh so many reasons. Birthdays and Sunday dinners mostly though! Thanks!!

[@naminicholson5815]

I scaled it up, added the cinnamon and espresso powder that you have in riffs on this, and used it for two tiers of a three-tier wedding cake. I've also used in for two 6" layers, split in half, for a 4-layer London Fog cake (Earl Grey Swiss Meringue buttercream + salted caramel drip on the sides). Mostly I just make it cause I want chocolate cake! The frosting is hands down my fave chocolate buttercream ever.

[@derendaropp2651]

Not only have I made this cake a million times and can attest to the fact that it is awesome, but also, your KZbin channel is the happiest thing out there right now. You & your family are an absolute delight!

[@meglion424]

You're a total natural for this medium! Congratulations on adding this to your repertoire.

[@susanweiner5225]

Deb, even if I never made a single recipe of yours (PERISH the thought!!), I would watch your KZbin channel because you are wonderful! A real person in her real kitchen making great approachable food with sass and verve. Love you to pieces. (Love your online Smitten Kitchen presence, too!)

[@Kathryn5072]

Watched this at 8pm last night and was overcome with the need to make this cake! Baked it in cupcake cases (makes 12) for full instant gratification and was enjoying within the hour - thanks Deb! It's a really light and deeply chocolatey sponge, given how simple the recipe is.

[@alicewhite1364]

This cake (or, in my case, alway cupcakes) is simply the best. Period. The not-too-sweet frosting is also perfection. The deep chocolate flavor is so satisfying. I really enjoy watching folks take their first bite. Every time…eyes close in ecstasy. I join the chorus of so many others saying thank you for all that you do. I’m a much, much better cook/baker because of you. Kisses galore.

[@heatherc8191]

I've made this a few times for when I'm in a pinch. Always comes out great. BTW, it's nice to finally "see you in person." You were an epic, mythic character when I could only read your cookbooks. Now you've come to life in my kitchen!

[@whitneymacintyre547]

When I was pregnant I craved chocolate cake daily. I tried dozens of cakes, and none of them satisfied the craving.... until this one. The name is spot on.

[@judegoldstein64]

just yesterday i asked my step daughter what dessert she wanted for her 29th birthday later this month. her answer? anything with chocolate. i am making this! thanks, deb. always.

[@monicapease1080]

I'll be binge-watching your channel now that I've just discovered you. Yes, that's right, I've been living under a rock.

[@nancymagana8434]

I love the confidence you display, helps me to not worry about being a perfectionist when creating a dessert or meal. Thank you!

[@lindageen5239]

Made this yesterday and it’s amazing. This was the 3rd or 4th time I’ve made this cake, but the first time using Dutch processed cocoa. Also, first time following the procedures in the video, which are a bit different than in the website recipe. Adding the small dry ingredients first then the big ones (flour and cocoa powder) worked well. Also, with the wet ingredients, increasing the mixer speed and mixing for an extra minute or so was helpful. My cake had turned out dry in the past, but not this time! Thanks for the video, Deb!

[@tammienahra938]

I love your videos, Deb... they are fabulous and you are a natural. I feel like you're our friend, sharing some great recipes and lessons. Thank you!

[@benjaminkristilasiewicz4225]

This is our family’s all-time favorite chocolate cake. My mom doesn’t care for chocolate cake but always asks that I make her this recipe as cupcakes for her birthday. It’s perfect!

[@sheryljump6728]

I’m a big fan of yours, love watching the videos. Thanks I like how you find joy in little things like when you were cutting broccoli. Can’t wait for the next video

[@mollyweeks3432]

It IS the happiest thing! I make this all the time and it always brings joy to everyone who eats it - including myself! :) Thank you, Deb!!

[@karriedohnal3855]

I am loving this new channel! Thank YOU!

[@margogillaspy1157]

Can't wait to try this cake out! I'm going to make it for my mom's birthday this week. Looks simple, delicious, and perfect!

[@NitrateDream]

So happy to see this in a video :) I make it all the time to the point I don't really make any other chocolate cake recipes anymore. If I'm making a bigger cake I just increase the recipe and adjust baking time and temp accordingly. Everyone I make it for is always super complimentary about the taste and texture and I get lots of repeat requests for it. Thanks so much for sharing! (on the blog and here, again ^_^ )

[@cxcramer]

I love these weekly videos and I never want them to stop. 🤩

[@tonihollifield4513]

I've made this cake in a variety of sizes over the years. That is, by far, my favorite frosting ever!

[@easmataraahmed7219]

I’ve made this cake a few times before and can attest that it is absolutely delicious! I love your one bowl recipes so much!

[@mygreenfroggy]

This looks lovely! We have a chocolate cake recipe that I've had for about 40 years, it came from a Marlboro cookbook that I got a grocery store one time. My kids called it "Granny Cake" because my husbands mom made it all the time and so did we. It's super easy and has just a just a hint of coffee, yum. Best of all, you can frost it or not, either way is good, we liked sugar and cinnamon as a topping.

[@lizcassidy6581]

Yum! please keep doing these videos - they are a bright spot in my Wednesday!

[@susanmeisels8692]

Been reading the blog since before your son was born. Love the videos, keep em coming!

[@gabriellebaalke6704]

Heck yeah!! So, I am currently living in the UK (orig. from Seattle) and I don't have anything like a stand mixer, a hand mixer, or a Cuisinart. I have two whisks, one pastry cutter, three spatulas and a couple of those cool bowls they use on Bake-Off (you know the ones). I've succeeded in the past two years in making anything I want--cookies, biscuits, scones, pie crusts--using only these items. But.... I've never attempted a cake. UNTIL TODAY! Oh, and I also don't have an 8x8 pan, only cookie sheets and roasting pans. Anyway, I made this cake tonight and it is AWESOME! I'm totally stoked, 'chuffed', as the Brits would say! I jury-rigged an 8x8 out of a roasting pan, some tin foil, and a couple of ramekins, and I just used good old-fashioned arm strength for the mixing. No beaters (besides myself haha!) required! I'm a convert. This is definitely an 'I'm so stoked I made this work' cake, Deb, you're the bestest!!

[@Ladderphobia]

Very much appreciate the call outs for "you'll think you did this wrong, but you didn't. here's why you think that. and here's why it'll be okay in the end" As a nervous, novice baker, the in-between stages are so important for me to see, so I know I'm on the right track, even if it looks wrong.

[@davidlemon]

"A sheet cake just for you." I love the new SK videos.

[@PatriciaScarpinTK]

It looks so delicious, Deb! I love how dark the batter is.

[@tangledthreadworks]

Why am I watching this - I've made this a million times - now I'm off to the kitchen for a million and one!

[@emilyz8571]

Both this recipe and the chocolate olive oil cake are staples in my house. I use this when I need a sturdier cake, the chocolate olive oil cake when cooking for those with allergies. Both are delicious. And the frosting is divine.

[@genevievehodginslaity8824]

This is what gets me thru chocolate hormonal weeks, thank you so much!!!!

[@jillp864]

I am so happy I watched this on a Monday! Per your suggestion from my email from you....I will be making this soon! Thank you for such a fun and easy chocolate cake recipe. And for being you! Such a happy baker you are!

[@Jinxyisms]

Thank you for the ideas of what to use the egg white for. I appreciate that.

[@laurawhitman8020]

I have been following your blog for years, but I am so happy you are now making videos on KZbin! You are a natural! Completely relatable, funny, and informative. I really appreciate that you are set up in your home kitchen which has the same amenities as most home kitchens... no fancy-schmancy sets and designer cupboards. If you can make it in your home kitchen, then I know I can do it in mine! Looking forward to years and years of your videos and recipes ❤

[@ellenkohl8325]

Made this with my granddaughter for her birthday as cupcakes! Yum…..,

[@meganrichardson6580]

Love your newsletter and now you're doing videos! Bravo!!

[@themerz6982]

Love your Instagram, happy to see you here.You are adorable. Thank you for sharing all your delicious creations.

[@glynniskunzler7058]

Your channel is such a pleasant surprise, keep it coming.

[@emmiefish]

I haven’t made this cake but I did brave the German Chocolate Cake from SK - a full day labor of love but it was divine!!!

[@omegasage777]

How did you know I would be sitting here, thinking...I need something chocolatey. Right now. This cake looks delightful and I can't wait to make it!! :)

[@brendalinsell5890]

The BEST ever chocolate cake...made without the frosting as it's not a fave, but a dusting of icing sugar was all it needed. Served with raspberries and lashings of whipped cream!

[@susanreedy29]

It's the "I want a piece of chocolate cake, and by 'piece', I mean an 8 inch square" cake! 😏🤣🤣🤣 Separately, can we just discuss the Zucchini Butter Spaghetti recipe you shared on Instagram the other day? Absolutely fantastic...a must make! Based on the comments under the recipe, I'm not alone!

[@gabrielaalaniz1098]

“No, Mother’s Day, is.” Yes, I agree, the best day ever. 🌷

[@BeachGal-mf9xd]

I make your "hurry up" brownies all the time!!! Found you on the internet around 2005ish and love your recipes!

[@Elita799]

First, she is adorable!!! So, to answer, I have not yet made this cake but I plan to try it! I finally 'perfected' (as per all who ask me to make it) a chocolate sheet cake (Texas minus the nuts) recipe I've now made a bunch of times. And I'm dying to compare this one to that one. Thanks for the awesome recipe and fun video! I cannot get dark cocoa powder unfortunately, but compensate with more cocoa and less sugar. I hope that will work in this case.

[@kimholzberger3604]

My good friend made it for my birthday. Best cake ever! 🥳 I had to have the recipe. Yum !😋

[@erizabeta]

Very glad you're doing videos :)

[@carolinewalls4297]

I need to make this cake ASAP, but it's midnight and don't have all the ingredients so I must wait until tomorrow :-( Love seeing you on KZbin, I smiled my way through this

[@tansjord]

Deb!!! I can’t wait to try this! 🤩

[@stacyreagan8207]

I made this cake last Monday, and let's just say, its a delicious keeper!!

[@trishbrady1]

You’re a genius! Made this today for my 12 year olds birthday… it was a HUGE hit, so easy and delicious! Will become a staple 🤩

[@bishlap]

Awesome recipes from an Awesome woman... what a delight this woman is, the world could use some of her personality for sure.

[@mkunruh44]

This is our family chocolate cake, called Grandma's chocolate cake! One of the few recipes I know by heart.

[@feliceschonfeld9947]

This was the best 10 minutes of my day. 😊

[@woot89]

Perfect!!!! Please keep these videos coming!!!

[@aylaroseofficial]

You are the most adorable! I love seeing this recipe played out on your channel. I've been making it for years! Played with it for a moose cake base too. Thank you for doing chocolate the right way in all your recipes. (Actually chocolate not just brown lol ;) )

[@juliannearlene7244]

You are so pretty Deb!

[@SR-bi2vx]

This is dangerously accessible. I love cakes made with buttermilk, it makes them so tender. This is very similar to my favourite chocolate cake recipe (Ina's?) which is even easier as it uses oil rather than butter. I will argue to the bitter end over sprinkles - surprisingly hateful for something so small!🤷🏻‍♀️ Also - the way you pronounce yolk! 😆 😉 Thank you for these videos - they’re so watchable!

[@madelinegrace2083]

Making this for my anniversary tomorrow! Can't wait to try it out!

[@mythirdchannel]

Woha you're on youtube now? What a lovely discovery! Long time reader :) I gotta catch on up the videos at some point with audio, when I'm not putting a baby to sleep (as I'm doing right now XD)

[@eleanorm4629]

this is my favorite choco cake recipe ever!

[@dcd2994]

I’ve made this twice in the last month , once as a chocolate walnut cake for an anniversary and once as part of a complicated attempt at Black Forest because the cake is that easy and that good Also thank you for the post buttermilk panik assurance

[@juliemyers12]

I am going to add the cocoa to the wet ingredients before adding the flour, I think the fat helps bloom the cocoa more fully that way.

[@karladuren7673]

The occasions I've made this cake for are when I want chocolate cake and don't want to share :) ok more like I don't need a 9x13 or layer- just enough cake to cure the craving- so good!

[@patriciahill7958]

Our favorite cake is called “that chocolate cake” which I got from a culinary instructor where I work. Definitely more steps than this one and the frosting is more like a ganache. I’ll have to try this one.

[@embellishmarin4647]

I love these kind of cakes. My favorite is yellow cake with chocolate frosting, if you have a recipe for that? I also make that frosting with espresso for the liquid and it’s great.

[@karenlewis9968]

i love this recipe! i made it into cupcakes. truly perfect!

[@kathrichards6947]

looks amazing!can't wait to try it!

[@kelliandebargis7106]

love your recipes

[@bettinenci60]

You are so amazing!! 🥰

[@laurenrt7564]

This cake gets made at least once a month, sometimes twice! I make it a double when celebrating holiday or special occasions!

[@robsmith8030]

Made it, love it! Staple in our home!

[@randalllanders4198]

Yes!! Smitten Kitchen Utube channel! Make those peanut butter bars that I love

[@jiffreypop]

Making this today! Just because reasons!

[@cassandras206]

I’ll have you know I made three of your dishes today! I made the gallette, the farro and this delicious 😋 chocolate cake! Shame on me! Oh lord please forgive me! Haha had fun 🤩 though… making each dish was relaxing. Thanks for sharing!!! 🤗

[@joniroussel1123]

Looks DIVINE!🍫

[@deborahhughes3868]

sorry.. my brain took a couple minutes to catch up. This is the first time seeing you but I've been following you for several years and introduced my high school cooking students to your recipes over many years. I have tried and taught them so many of your recipes. Goldfish and apple slab pie are favorites.

[@jodieruth127]

Definitely a favourite, I adore this cake! Now I kinda want to go make it...

[@yurikubota]

We made a cupcake version. 😄And it went very well!

[@missellienora]

I usually make Deb's earlier version of this cake in a loaf pan, and it takes forever to bake through. I'm going to make it this way next time, with the frosting!

[@rudyfan1926]

Making this tomorrow!

[@katehbrinkley]

Ahhhh! Your little girl!! (Anna?) I remember your blog posts when she was a baby! I think I found you back in the day looking for homemade baby food recipes? Did I imagine that? Did you post those for your son? I am LOVING the videos!

[@smittenkitchening]

I did! Sometimes! Second children get homemade baby food, but less precious -- lots of blended frozen fruits and vegetables. Probably why she's so picky. ;)

[@katchabilek9872]

Coolest, most unpretentious online cook ever!

[@wombat0433]

Just subscribed love your attitude

[@bethgoldman2560]

When I sprinkle on sprinkles….call that “schmutzing” the cake!

[@karenatkinson2876]

Love you new SK channel. You are adorable.

[@wombat0433]

I love you .... I feel like your my friend and you welcomed me in your kitchen 😍🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@nrjcrossing]

please make more videos, Deb

[@gilgore]

omg deb perelman is so cute

[@nancybowman4275]

Love this cake for a weeknight surprise for my family. Also love the everyday chocolate cake and the fudge layer cake, my go to for birthdays. Deb: chocolate cake whisperer.

[@sweetbuynbuy]

I am so glad to see you on here! I have been following you on Instagram and absolutely love your recipes and down to earth personality! "Does this look like to much frosting for this cake?" The correct answer is No way!" You are awesome!!

[@mitrabuicki7746]

Sounds delicious. I so want to make this but I have no access to buttermilk 🙁 what can I substitute it with please? Thanks 🙏🤗

[@juliemyers12]

Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to regular milk and let it stand a minute!

[@guyrleroy8865]

YUM YUM YUM

[@antoniaprescott8370]

In the UK, buttermilk is not rare exactly, but does mean a special trip out to a different supermarket for me. On the other hand I always have full fat Greek yoghurt in the fridge. Could I substitute that - maybe 3/4 yog, 1/4 milk?

[@smittenkitchening]

Absolutely! Sour cream or yogurt thinned with a little milk, or you can make your own equivalent with milk + vinegar or lemon juice: smittenkitchen.com/2009/08/make-your-own-buttermilk/

[@venividivixen]

If you have milk and plain vinegar, you can make a buttermilk substitute ( stir 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar together and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes). I almost always use that in cakes instead of store-bought buttermilk and it has never failed me.

[@antoniaprescott8370]

@@venividivixen Thank you xx

[@antoniaprescott8370]

@@smittenkitchening Thanks very much - just to say, I've been reading your blog for a few years and am utterly enchanted by the KZbin videos. I'm planning to make ALL the recipes this weekend, starting with muffins for breakfast, broccoli slaw for lunch and farro for dinner. Chocolate cake for Sunday tea xxx

[@nbks6w8]

If you make kefir...use that instead of buttermilk. I use my homemade plain kefir for everything calling for buttermilk...works great and no special trip to the store!

[@susanstuart4870]

Chocolate dump cake Amanda Hesser/Food 52..but want to try this..but don’t own a cuisinart..suggestions? Thx

[@marilynnewman8892]

That looks delicious! By the way, you can probably find a You Tube video on how to recalibrate your brand of oven like I did.

[@kathrynwitte3398]

I found a KZbin video for how to restart my furnace after running out of oil on a 5° night. I swear by it.

[@smittenkitchening]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ana-tk7hq]

Hi Deb! is there a way to substitute the brown sugar? we don't have that sugar in Europe, only in "Taste of America" and it is so expensive...thanks!

[@smittenkitchening]

Yes you can! First, you can make your own with a mixture of white sugar and molasses, although I think it's easier for you to get treacle, which works the same. smittenkitchen.com/2009/08/make-your-own-brown-sugar/ Or, you can just use white sugar here in the same amount; it will be fine.

[@ana-tk7hq]

@@smittenkitchening oh my goodness thanks so much for replying to me! this makes my day!!!! thanks, I will try it! you are awesome and seriously I love your "matter of fact" attitude in your videos....it is so natural and not contrived! and just how easy you make cooking... lots of love to you, Ana

[@TracyCooksinAustin]

just add a TB of the flour with the buttermilk and it won't break in the first place

[@walrusandcarpenter]

Sohla would say you haven't beaten the butter/sugar and then egg enough. *emoji where I am doing a sideways glance.*