Celebrate with a fun and delicious Chocolate M&M Cake! This rich chocolate cake is layered with creamy chocolate frosting and topped with colorful M&M’s and sprinkles, perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- 1 cup M&M’s candy
- Sprinkles or additional chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat Ingredients: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Assemble and Decorate:
- Frost Cake: Frost the cooled cake layers with chocolate frosting.
- Decorate: Top with M&M’s and additional sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
Variations
- Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for a mocha flavor.
- Frosting Options: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: The cake is best served at room temperature. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of candy for decoration?
- Yes, you can use any type of candy or chocolate chips.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
- Grease and flour the pans well or use parchment paper to line the bottoms.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container.
- What if my cake is domed on top?
- Level the cake layers with a knife before frosting for a smooth finish.
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
- How can I make the frosting thicker?
- Add more powdered sugar to the frosting if it’s too thin.
- Can I use low-fat ingredients?
- For best results, use full-fat ingredients. Low-fat substitutions may affect the texture and taste.
- What should I do if the frosting is too sweet?
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Can I use a different frosting flavor?
- Yes, you can use vanilla or cream cheese frosting instead of chocolate.
- How can I get the M&M’s to stick better?
- Press the M&M’s gently into the frosting to ensure they stick well.
Conclusion
This Chocolate M&M Celebration Cake is a delightful treat for any celebration. With its rich chocolate layers, creamy frosting, and festive M&M topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!