Description
This Classic Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey — the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Paired with a smooth chocolate buttercream frosting, it’s a timeless favorite that’s simple to make yet incredibly indulgent.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (for richer flavor)
- For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk, as needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water or hot coffee (batter will be thin — that’s okay!).
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly between the cake layers and over the top and sides. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Substitute hot coffee for water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Make sure the cake layers are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This recipe also works well for cupcakes — bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American