Description
Edward Kostyra’s Birthday Cake is a rich, classic layered chocolate cake named after Martha Stewart’s father. It’s known for its tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and luscious frosting—perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- Chocolate Frosting (your preferred recipe or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix in the cooled cocoa mixture.
- Add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate frosting between layers and over top and sides. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg