Baking Hear Me Out Cake
Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes
Baking Hear Me Out Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a moist texture, perfect for any occasion.
This cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt creation that brings people together. The combination of flavors and textures will make you want to bake it again and again!
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Baking Hear Me Out Cake is a unique blend of rich chocolate and refreshing citrus. The addition of orange zest elevates the classic chocolate flavor, creating a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds. This unexpected pairing not only enhances the cake's overall taste but also adds a hint of brightness, making each bite a memorable experience.
The combination of cocoa and orange is a time-honored classic that has been celebrated in various desserts. The slight bitterness of the chocolate harmonizes beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of the orange, resulting in a cake that is both indulgent and refreshing. Whether it's a special occasion or an everyday treat, this cake is sure to impress.
A Moist and Creamy Delight
One of the standout features of the Hear Me Out Cake is its incredibly moist texture. The use of buttermilk and eggs contributes to the cake's richness, ensuring that it remains soft and tender even days after baking. This is crucial for a cake that you want to enjoy at any time, whether it's fresh out of the oven or served on a later date.
The creamy frosting adds another layer of indulgence, with its velvety consistency and chocolatey flavor. Made with heavy cream and butter, the frosting is not only easy to spread but also provides a luscious mouthfeel that complements the cake perfectly. Together, the cake and frosting create a delightful experience that is hard to resist.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging yourself, the Hear Me Out Cake is an excellent choice. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper at any event. Guests will be drawn in by the enticing aroma and will savor each mouthful as they enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate and orange.
This cake is also versatile enough to be enjoyed in various settings. Serve it at a formal dinner party, as a dessert for a casual family meal, or even as a sweet treat with coffee during a cozy afternoon. No matter the occasion, the Hear Me Out Cake is sure to be a hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you start baking:
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious cake:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Allow the cake to set for 30 minutes before slicing for a cleaner cut.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Hear Me Out Cake turns out perfectly, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar, as too much or too little can affect the cake's texture. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing, as this helps to create a smooth batter.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing once you add the wet ingredients to the dry. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gently folding the ingredients together will keep it light and fluffy. Lastly, always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as every oven varies.
Storing Your Cake
Once baked and frosted, store your Hear Me Out Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, but be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
You can also freeze the cake if you want to save it for a special occasion later. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and serve as desired.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to get creative with your Hear Me Out Cake! You can experiment with different flavored frostings, such as a vanilla or cream cheese frosting, to find your perfect match. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting can also enhance the flavor profile, contrasting the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
If you're looking for a fun twist, consider incorporating chocolate chips or orange-flavored liqueur into the batter for an extra burst of flavor. You can even layer the cake with fresh fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, for added freshness and color. The possibilities are endless!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for the orange zest?
Lemon zest or even a splash of vanilla extract can be good alternatives.
Baking Hear Me Out Cake
Baking Hear Me Out Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a moist texture, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Ending Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g