Hint: It’s found in the baking aisle.

Some will tell you the secret to chocolate cake iscoffee, which I agree helps enhance the chocolate flavor.

But the single ingredient that takes my chocolate cakes to the next level isDutch-process cocoa powder.

Southern Living Chocolate Cake with Spiced Chocolate Buttercream sliced on a plate to serve topped with chocolate curls

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Keely

Whats Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder?

Can I Use Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder In Any Recipe?

There are some best practices to follow when using Dutch-processed cocoa.

Southern Living Easy Chocolate Cake on a plate to serve topped with salted caramel buttercream

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

For recipes that use baking powder, you dont need to worry about swapping natural cocoa for Dutch.

If a recipe relies on baking soda alone for rise, stick to the natural cocoa it calls for.

(It’s also an excellent addition to brownies!)

What about black cocoa?

(This kind of cocoa is used in things like Oreos orChocolate Wafer Cookies.)

Just look for the words Dutch-process or Dutched.