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Chocolate M&M Celebration Cake

A delightful treat that envelops you in rich chocolate flavor with colorful, crunchy M&M's, perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Birthdays, Celebration Cake, Chocolate Cake, Festive Dessert, M&M Cake
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour The foundation for our moist, tender cake.
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Rich and aromatic, delivering deep chocolate flavor.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder Essential for that perfect rise.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Works with the cocoa to create a fluffy texture.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds creaminess and richness to the cake.
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar To sweeten the batter perfectly.
  • 3 large eggs Help bind together and add moisture.
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract Infuses the cake with warm, comforting notes.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Ensures a moist crumb with a hint of tanginess.
  • 1 cup boiling water Creates a luscious, pourable batter.
  • 1.5 cups M&M's, plus extra for decoration Bright, crispy candies that add sweetness and fun.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mixing

  • In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until well blended.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
  • Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in 1.5 cups of M&M's.

Baking

  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and even out the tops with a spatula.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting and Decoration

  • Frost with your favorite frosting and decorate with extra M&M's.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and consider sifting the flour and cocoa powder twice for a fluffier cake. You can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture.