a simple recipe :: the best chocolate cake for birthdays and a new tradition

I shared with you last week some of the details of our little girl’s first birthday! We had a wonderful celebration and are still in amazement at the fact that she’s one. I was just sorting through some of her clothes and cannot even believe she fit into those tiny newborn clothes last Christmas.

One detail that I didn’t share, but felt like I must was the cake! I almost always use this recipe (given to me by my MIL) for birthdays and everyone always loves it! I am not the best cake decorator, although I do try to make something fun for the kids, but what I think is most important is the taste of the cake everyone is eating! This year though Mod Party supplied us with some adorable cupcake wrappers and toppers so we had both cute and tasty.

Here’s the recipe you must try for your next birthday celebration:
Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9×13 pan. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients, except boiling water. Beat with mixer for 2 minutes on medium speed. Remove from mixer and add water. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool and frost.

I top it with my favorite buttercream, but cream cheese or chocolate would work too! Seriously it’s the best! Everyone loved it even after our morning brunch celebration! We will be having it again for a new tradition a good friend recommended for our family. Christmas Eve we will make and decorate a cake, and then enjoy it together on Christmas for Jesus’ birthday! I love this idea, and I love another excuse to make this amazing cake! I am excited for our kids to look forward to this as we celebrate His birthday!