Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

Craving a cake that’s both rich and satisfying? Many chocolate chip cakes can be dry or lack enough chocolate chips. You need a recipe that guarantees a moist, chocolatey delight.

Imagine cutting into a cake that’s perfectly moist and filled with gooey chocolate chips. The frustration of dry, disappointing cakes can ruin your dessert experience. You deserve a recipe that delivers a chocolate chip cake every time.

Introducing the ultimate chocolate chip cake recipe! This recipe is easy to follow and ensures a tender, flavorful cake with plenty of chocolate chips in every bite. Enjoy a slice and indulge in chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients

Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt (use less if you’re using fine-grained salt)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ⅔ cups (333 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (170 grams) Ghirardelli chocolate chips

For the Frosting

• 1 ½ cups (339 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170 grams) Ghirardelli chocolate chips (for decoration)

Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Pans

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans or two 8-inch pans. I’m using three 6-inch pans for a cute, multi-layered look.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon salt, and 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly and prevents lumps in your cake.
2. Add the Chocolate Chips: Toss 1 cup of Ghirardelli chocolate chips with a tablespoon of the flour mixture. This helps prevent the chips from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer), cream 1 cup of room temperature butter and 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar on high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Batter: Add the flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk in three alternating additions, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
2. Prepare for Baking: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. If you want to ensure even layers, you can weigh each pan for accuracy.

Baking the Cake

1. Bake: Place the pans in the center of the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched.
2. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

1. Cream the Butter: In a stand mixer, beat 1 ½ cups of room temperature butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Cream: Gradually mix in 5 cups of sifted powdered sugar, a little at a time. Add ¼ cup milk or cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of Ghirardelli chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Decorating the Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Layers: Level the cooled cakes if necessary. Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread a dollop of frosting on top to help the layers stick together.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread a layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out with a spatula. Decorate with chocolate chips around the edge and pipe dollops on top if desired.
3. Finish: Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Ghirardelli chocolate chips ensure a rich and delicious flavor in every bite.
• Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when folding in the chocolate chips to avoid overmixing and a dense texture.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the centers of the cakes; they should come out clean when fully baked.

Conclusion

And there you have it—an indulgent Chocolate Chip Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying a sweet treat with your loved ones, this cake is sure to impress. Thanks again to Ghirardelli for making this recipe extra special with their premium chocolate. Enjoy every bite!