The main ingredient of a chocolate cake is cocoa powder, which provides the rich chocolate flavor that characterizes this beloved dessert. Cocoa powder is derived from ground cacao beans and is typically combined with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking powder to create the cake batter. Variations may include additional ingredients like chocolate chips or melted chocolate for a more intense flavor. Chocolate cake is often enjoyed with frosting, whipped cream, or berries and is a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions.