Name: Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk); ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup heavy cream (plus more as needed); 2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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When it comes to classic desserts that make everyone’s eyes light up, nothing rivals the allure of Chocolate Cake. With its incredible richness, tender crumb, and luscious layers of creamy frosting, this beloved treat is perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or any day that needs a little extra chocolate magic. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up from scratch, and the results are more than worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an impressive recipe to wow your friends, Chocolate Cake is always a winning choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chocolate cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role. From the deep flavor of cocoa to the tang from buttermilk, these ingredients create a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and irresistibly chocolaty. Here’s how each one helps shape your masterpiece:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure for a light yet sturdy crumb that holds up to generous layers of frosting.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the cake’s rich, signature chocolate flavor — Dutch-process or natural both work well here.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and keeps it wonderfully moist as it bakes.
Baking powder: Gives your cake some lift for a delightful, fluffy texture.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk or milk to further leaven the cake and enhance tenderness.
Salt: Just a little pinch balances all the sweetness and highlights the deep chocolate notes.
Eggs (large): Bind the batter and give the cake its pleasing texture and structure.
Whole milk (or buttermilk): Adds richness and moisture — buttermilk makes it extra tender with a slight tang.
Vegetable oil: Guarantees a super moist crumb that stays soft even days after baking.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolatey goodness and aromatic flavors.
Hot coffee (or hot water): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives you a beautifully smooth batter.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Makes the frosting irresistibly creamy and easy to spread.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the chocolate frosting to the perfect, fluffy consistency.
Heavy cream: Ensures the frosting is luxuriously light and pipeable, with just the right richness.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Lends a lovely aroma and enhances the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
Pinch of salt: Rounds out the sweetness and brings out the depth in the chocolate frosting.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, tapping out any excess flour. This step ensures your Chocolate Cake layers release easily after baking, so they stay perfectly intact and ready for frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This even blend guarantees consistent chocolate flavor and perfect rise throughout your cake.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk until the batter looks smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides for even mixing.

Step 4: Stir in the Hot Coffee

Pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and stir until just combined. You’ll notice the batter becomes quite thin — that’s the secret to an extra moist and tender Chocolate Cake! The coffee will intensify the chocolate, but won’t add any coffee taste.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Beat the softened butter until it’s creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Pour in heavy cream, vanilla, and that pinch of salt, then beat until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust the cream if needed for the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and cover it with a generous scoop of fluffy chocolate frosting. Set the second layer on top and repeat with the remaining frosting, coating the sides and top. Smooth everything out with an offset spatula, or swirl it up for a rustic finish. Slice and savor the ultimate homemade Chocolate Cake moment!

How to Serve

Garnishes

Let your Chocolate Cake shine with a finishing touch or two! Try a sprinkling of chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar on top. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a crown of whipped cream creates a bakery-worthy finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides that play up its rich flavor. Pour a tall glass of cold milk or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that nostalgic joy. For a more grown-up twist, a shot of espresso, coffee, or even a splash of dessert wine makes every bite unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s no end to the fun you can have presenting Chocolate Cake! Slice it into individual portions and layer into parfait glasses with berries and cream, or cut it into small squares for a party-ready platter. You can even bake the batter in a Bundt or as cupcakes for a playful take that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the Chocolate Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about four to five days. Let slices come to room temperature for best flavor before serving.

Freezing

Chocolate Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or whole unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving for that fresh-baked taste whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Want to bring that fresh-from-the-oven warmth back? Microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds until just barely warm. The frosting will go slightly gooey and the cake will taste as if you just baked it. For a more gentle approach, let slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Chocolate Cake without coffee?

Absolutely! If you’d rather not use coffee, simply swap in an equal amount of hot water. You’ll still get a moist, tender crumb and the cake will be just as rich and delicious.

Can I bake this as cupcakes or in a different pan size?

Definitely. The Chocolate Cake batter works beautifully as cupcakes or as a sheet cake. For cupcakes, fill liners two-thirds full and bake for about 18–22 minutes. For a sheet cake, pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for approximately 35–40 minutes, checking for doneness.

How do I get perfectly flat cake layers?

To ensure your layers bake up nice and even, you can wrap the pans with damp cake strips or gently press down any domed tops with a clean kitchen towel while the cakes are still warm. Leveling with a serrated knife after they cool is also a quick fix.

Is it okay to use Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes, both natural and Dutch-process cocoa powder will work in this Chocolate Cake recipe. Dutch-process gives a deeper color and slightly smoother flavor. Just keep in mind, the cake may be a bit darker and richer in taste.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Of course! Stir a handful of chocolate chips, toasted walnuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter into the cake batter before baking for a personalized twist that makes every bite unique and irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cake truly is a showstopper and a comfort food classic all at once. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or grabbing a secret slice for yourself, the memories (and chocolate smears) will be worth it. Treat yourself and your loved ones — you can’t go wrong with a homemade Chocolate Cake!