19 Chocolate Cake Recipe Southern Living Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Chocolate cake is a staple dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, a slice of rich and moist chocolate cake is always a crowd-pleaser. And when it comes to finding the perfect chocolate cake recipe, Southern Living has got you covered. Our chocolate cake recipe is a classic, tried-and-true favorite that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Pound cake is a classic Southern dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a simple yet delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Made with simple ingredients and a few key techniques, this Southern pound cake is a must-have in your dessert repertoire.
If you love pineapple, then this Southern pineapple cake is a must-try. It's a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any summer gathering. The combination of tangy pineapple and sweet cake is irresistible and will leave your guests begging for the recipe. Plus, it's a one-bowl recipe that is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup. What's not to love?
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking and this Southern skillet cornbread is a must-try. It's crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, using a cast-iron skillet gives it an extra layer of flavor that you just can't replicate with any other pan. Serve it alongside your favorite BBQ dishes or enjoy it as a snack with some butter and honey.
This Southern butter pound cake is the ultimate indulgence. It's rich, buttery, and has a soft, tender crumb that will melt in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs, this cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any special occasion. Serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert.
Southern smothered chicken is comfort food at its finest. This dish is made with chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, then served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm your soul. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a whole new dish.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking and this recipe is a classic. It's made with tender greens, cooked in a flavorful broth with smoked ham hocks and bacon. The result is a dish that is full of flavor and will have you coming back for seconds. Serve it as a side dish or add some cornbread and make it a meal.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have at any Southern holiday table. Made with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and vegetables, this dish is full of flavor and the perfect accompaniment to your turkey or ham. It's a labor of love, but well worth the effort. Plus, leftovers make for a delicious breakfast the next day.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy and this recipe for smothered oxtails is a must-try. The meat is cooked low and slow until it falls off the bone and is smothered in a flavorful gravy. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of flaky biscuits. This recipe for classic Southern biscuits is a tried and true favorite. They are light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up gravy or slathering with butter and jam. Plus, they are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Once you try these biscuits, you'll never go back to store-bought again.
Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite, and this Southern baked version takes it to the next level. Made with a blend of cheeses and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh so satisfying. It's a great side dish for any meal or can be enjoyed as a main dish with a side of greens.
Yes, we know we already mentioned mac and cheese, but this Southern baked mac and cheese recipe is too good not to include. This version is made with a mixture of cheddar and Velveeta cheese, giving it a creamy and velvety texture. It's a simple and delicious comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Caramel cake is a Southern classic that is sure to impress. This recipe combines a moist and flavorful cake with a rich and creamy caramel frosting. It's a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. Serve it for special occasions or just because you're craving something sweet.
If you love pecan pie but don't want to deal with the hassle of making a whole pie, then these Southern pecan pie bars are the perfect solution. They have all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but in bar form. Plus, they are easier to make and serve. They are the perfect addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. This recipe is made with fresh peaches and a buttery, flaky crust. It's a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for using up ripe peaches. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Cooked collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine. This recipe is a classic version that is full of flavor and made with simple ingredients. The key to perfectly cooked collard greens is to cook them low and slow until they are tender and flavorful. Serve them as a side dish or add some smoked ham hocks for a heartier meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern favorite and for good reason. It's a creamy and tangy spread that is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables. This recipe is made with simple ingredients and is easy to customize to your taste. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for a quick and delicious snack.
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that is used in many Southern dishes. This recipe for Southern cabbage is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal. It's cooked in a flavorful broth and served with crispy bacon for added flavor. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and this recipe is a classic. It's made with simple ingredients and is the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you like your cornbread sweet or savory, this recipe can be easily adapted to your taste. Serve it warm with some butter and honey for a delicious treat.
Sausage gravy is a Southern breakfast staple and this recipe is a must-try. Made with a rich and flavorful gravy and served over flaky biscuits, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. It's easy to make and perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. Pro tip: save any leftover gravy and use it as a topping for your mashed potatoes.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that are often served alongside fried fish or seafood. They are made with a cornmeal batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. They are simple to make and oh so delicious. Serve them with some tartar sauce for dipping and you'll be hooked.
The Secret to a Perfect Chocolate Cake
Using Quality Ingredients
The key to making a delicious chocolate cake lies in using quality ingredients. It's important to choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich and intense chocolate flavor. Butter adds a velvety texture and buttermilk helps to keep the cake moist. Don't skimp on the chocolate either - opt for a high-quality bar of dark chocolate for the best results.
Properly Measuring Ingredients
When it comes to baking, precise measurements are crucial for a successful outcome. Flour should be spooned into the measuring cup and leveled off with a knife to ensure the right amount. Sugar should be packed into the measuring cup and leveled off as well. And when measuring liquids, be sure to use a liquid measuring cup for accuracy.
The Magic of Buttermilk
Why Buttermilk is Key
Many chocolate cake recipes call for buttermilk, and for good reason. The tangy and slightly acidic nature of buttermilk helps to activate the leavening agents in the cake, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. It also adds a subtle tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate.
Substituting Buttermilk
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, don't worry. You can easily make your own by combining milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it curdles, and then use it as a substitute for buttermilk in the recipe.
Putting it All Together
The Mixing Process
To achieve the perfect texture for your chocolate cake, it's important to follow the mixing process carefully. Start by creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then add in eggs one at a time. Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
The Baking Time
It's important to not overbake your chocolate cake, as this can result in a dry and tough texture. Keep a close eye on the cake and use a toothpick to test for doneness. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, it's ready to come out of the oven.
In Conclusion
With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and decadent chocolate cake that will impress anyone who takes a bite. So the next time you're in need of a show-stopping dessert, turn to Southern Living's chocolate cake recipe for guaranteed success. Happy baking!