Mahogany Cake

🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup (180ml) boiling water
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or sour milk
  • ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tbsp molasses (for extra richness and depth)

For the Frosting (Choose One):

Mahogany Fudge Frosting (classic):

  • 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

OR Cream Cheese Frosting (modern twist):

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. Make the Cocoa Mixture:

  • In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder with boiling water until smooth. Cool slightly.
  • Stir in buttermilk and molasses (if using).

3. Make the Cake Batter:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the cocoa mixture. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Bake:

  • Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

🧁 Make the Frosting:

For Fudge Frosting:

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly before spreading.

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

🍴 Assemble:

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  • Spread with frosting, top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides.

🌟 Optional Touches:

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts in the center layer
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
  • Dust with cocoa powder or chocolate curls for decoration

🔄 Storage:

  • Store at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days (especially if using cream cheese frosting).

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