Decadent Chocolate Cake

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2In a large mixing bowl, sift together the maida, sugar (1 cup), cocoa powder (¾ cup), baking soda (1 teaspoon), and baking powder (1 teaspoon) until well combined.

3In another bowl, whisk together the milk (½ cup), eggs (2 large), and vanilla essence (1 teaspoon) until smooth.

4Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5If using, fold in the melted chocolate for an extra rich flavor.

6Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.