There's something magical about a cake. Not an instant mug cake, not a cupcake, not from a box or from a mix, but a real-life, bona fide, "make-the- batter-yourself-and-eat-half" cake. Waiting 30-40 minutes while it bakes, watching your house fill with the smell of a bakery, and finally icing it and cutting a beautiful slice - every part of cake-making is enjoyable. Since today is National Chocolate Cake Day, we're thinking that it's 100 percent allowed to indulge in a slice or a whole one today.
Here's five of our favorite chocolate cake recipes. Make one, invite some friends over for a midweek chocolate cake party, and have them bring the wine and cheese. That's what we call a recipe for an excellent Wednesday.
Chocolate Cake with Ganache Frosting from Epicurious. This decadent, elegant chocolate cake will push any chocolate craving you have right out the door.
Chocolate and Dulce de Leche Cake from BBC. Mixing dulce de leche with whipping cream to make a light, caramelly frosting makes this cake incredibly delicious and impressive. For extra gourmet factor, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Espresso Glaze from Martha Stewart. Dense and super-chocolaty, the espresso powder in the batter and in the glaze gives this cake a coffeeshop kick.
Guinness Chocolate Cake from Nigella Lawson. This cake is perfect. Super moist with sweetness balanced by the beer's complex flavors, it will wow any crowd. Make it today and then again for St Patrick's Day.
Raspberry Chocolate Cake from My Baking Addiction. Pink and pretty, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Fruity, creamy and chocolaty, it ticks off the whole dessert checklist in one go.
