Homemade Chocolate Cake Mix

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until very well combined. Transfer to a gallon-sized plastic baggie. (Repeat for as many cake mixes as you wish to assemble.)

Step 2

Adjust oven rack to the center position and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a (9- by 13-inch) rectangular baking pan, OR two (9-inch) round baking pans, OR line 24 muffins cups with paper baking liners.

Step 3

Pour the Homemade Chocolate Cake Mix into a large bowl. Blend in the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed. Gradually stir in the boiling water (¼ cup at a time) until the batter is well-combined (it will be thin and runny).

Step 4

Pour the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly. Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, using these times as a guideline: one (9- by 13-inch) rectangular baking pan = 35 to 40 minutes; two (9-inch) round baking pans = 30 to 35 minutes; 24 cupcakes = 20 to 22 minutes.

Step 5

Cool cake(s) in pans for 10 minutes (only 5 minutes for cupcakes) before turning out onto a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before frosting.