Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
If you’re ready to indulge in a pure chocolate lover’s fantasy, you have landed on the perfect recipe. This Best Chocolate Cake Recipe is a go-to for birthdays, celebrations of every kind, or simply a sweet treat to end the day. With its irresistibly moist crumb, deep cocoa flavor, and a cloud-like chocolate frosting, this cake truly earns its title, delivering swoon-worthy results every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will make you feel right at home, turning out a jaw-dropping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this cake truly special is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component adds its own flair—richness, structure, or that signature chocolate depth—to create a cake that’s as luxurious as it is easy to prepare.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and a delicate crumb you’ll love.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps keep the cake tender and soft.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star ingredient, providing rich chocolate flavor and that classic dark hue.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cake rises high and stays fluffy.
- Baking powder: Adds extra lift so the layers are beautifully light.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every chocolatey note.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Buttermilk: Makes the cake ultra-moist and gives a subtle tang that intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Creates a softer, more tender crumb than butter alone.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and teams up deliciously with chocolate.
- Hot water or freshly brewed coffee: Blooming cocoa with heat brings out an even deeper chocolate taste—you won’t taste the coffee, but the chocolate flavor sings.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The foundation for a silky-smooth frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens, lightens, and thickens the frosting.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Doubles down on those chocolate vibes.
- Salt (for frosting): Keeps the frosting from being too sweet and brightens the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a warm, welcoming aroma.
- Heavy cream: Controls the frosting’s texture, making it beautifully spreadable—add a touch more for extra fluffiness if needed.
How to Make Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat
Start by cranking up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, dust with flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This little bit of extra effort ensures your cake layers come out of the pans flawlessly with a beautiful, smooth surface ready for frosting.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only ensures even distribution (no clumps of baking soda lurking!) but also creates the dry foundation for that signature richness found in the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined, then pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until it all looks smooth and unified—this mix is what keeps the cake moist, tender, and absolutely dreamy.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Now, carefully stream in your hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry—this is what results in that incredibly moist texture the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe is famous for.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide your luscious batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks and allow to cool completely. Resist the urge to frost early; patience pays off!
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing first on low then ramping up to make the frosting fluffy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, continue beating, and adjust with an extra splash of cream if you want it lighter. This frosting is the rich, billowy finish that sets this cake apart.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost
Once the cakes are completely cool, generously frost one layer, stack the second on top, and coat the whole beauty with the remaining frosting. Decorate as your heart desires—sprinkles, chocolate curls, or a simple swoop of a spatula, and you’ve got the ultimate Best Chocolate Cake Recipe ready for devouring!
How to Serve Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is a showstopper even on its own, but if you want to level up, try garnishing with chocolate curls, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scattering of vibrant berries. Fresh strawberries or raspberries bring a pop of color and a juicy contrast to the rich chocolate, while a pinch of flaky salt can add an intriguing gourmet twist.
Side Dishes
If you’d like to round out your dessert table, pair a slice of the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche. A mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk work wonders, too, and make every bite feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake as a classic two-layer round for a timeless touch, or slice each layer in half for a dramatic, four-layer masterpiece. Transform leftovers into decadent cake parfaits layered with whipped cream or create petite cake truffles for a fun twist on the original. Cupcake versions also make a fantastic party treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have a few slices left, simply cover them tightly and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake (well wrapped or in an airtight container) for up to a week—the texture remains lovely and moist, even chilled.
Freezing
Both the cake layers and finished cake freeze beautifully! Wrap cooled, unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. If freezing frosted cake, slice first (for easier thawing), then wrap and store. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
While this cake is delightful straight from the fridge, you can gently bring slices back to room temperature for maximum softness. For a warm treat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds—just until barely warmed—so the frosting turns perfectly fudgy without melting away.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Dutch-processed cocoa will work, but it may slightly alter the cake’s rise and flavor due to differences in acidity. Natural cocoa powder is best for this recipe, but if you swap, keep in mind the result might be a tad less tangy and lighter in color.
Why do you add hot coffee or water to the batter?
The heat from the liquid helps “bloom” the cocoa powder, releasing and amplifying its full, rich chocolate flavor. Using coffee intensifies the chocolate without a pronounced coffee taste—trust us, it makes the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe truly next-level!
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Absolutely! This batter makes fantastic cupcakes. Simply divide evenly among muffin tins (about two-thirds full) and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’re perfect for parties or anytime you want cake in a bite-sized package.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
Greasing, flouring, and lining your pans with parchment are your best friends here. Taking all three steps (don’t skip the parchment!) gives you the cleanest release and keeps your gorgeous layers intact for frosting and stacking.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use for the frosting?
For the deepest, most satisfying chocolate flavor, use the same quality unsweetened cocoa powder as in the cake. Avoid sweetened or “hot cocoa mix”—you want pure cocoa powder for that crowning touch on the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how magical a homemade chocolate cake can be. This Best Chocolate Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that turns any occasion into a celebration. Try it out, share a generous slice (or two!) with your favorite people, and watch this recipe become a new classic in your kitchen.
Print
Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, moist goodness of this Best Chocolate Cake Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade chocolate cake with a decadent cocoa frosting will have your taste buds singing!
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or freshly brewed coffee
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water or coffee.
- Bake: Divide the batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool and remove from pans.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, add sugar, cocoa, salt, vanilla, and cream. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost the cakes: Frost the cooled cakes and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- This cake can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
