If the frosting is too thick, I add 1-2 tablespoons of ... A: You can use Dutch-process cocoa, but the cake won’t be as dark. If you want the color, add a drop of black gel food coloring.

The top of your cake may also get too dark. Oven thermostats can be wildly off, so if this often happens, invest in a separate oven thermometer. Bring moisture back to the cake with sugar syrup ...