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:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla.
- 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:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly before spreading.
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- 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).
