National Chocolate Cake Day

If you’ve ever needed an excuse to indulge in some chocolate, now you’ve got one. January 27th is National Chocolate Cake Day, and with the multitude of forms, you’ll be hard-strapped not to find one that you like best. From layered chocolate cakes to molten and melt-in-the-middle cakes, fluffy and mousse-y to decedent and frosted, this favorite treat will always bring a smile to peoples’ faces.

With the invention of chocolate in 1764, it took some time for it to be turned into cake, and the first recipe for chocolate cake was printed in 1847. It has since become one of the most popular treats, with 19% of people in a survey done by a top marketing agency saying they’d always choose chocolate cake on their birthday, and 32% picked chocolate as their favorite flavor.

Getty Images / EyeEm / Daniela Simona Temneanu

This has got to be one of the best national holidays to celebrate; have a big slice with your dinner, and go wild and have it with every meal of the day. Try replacing chocolate cake in some recipes, such as French toast (instead of white bread). Why not visit your favorite bakery and bring a nice surprise home to share with the family at the end of a long day? Or if you don’t want to wait that long, pick one up on the way to work to share with everyone in your office.

If you’re feeling up for the challenge, here’s a simple recipe you can whip up on your own. In a large bowl, combine together 1.5 cups sugar, 2 cups flour, ½ cup cocoa, 1 tsp coffee powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda and a dash of salt. Once combined, stir in 1.25 cups of milk and 3 eggs. Add ¾ cup of oil while stirring, and mix well. Pour the batter into a cake tray, and bake at 320F for 55-60 minutes. The cake is ready when it’s slightly cracked on top, and a skewer comes out clean. Let’s celebrate!