Delicious Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Buttercream: Recipe
This delicious chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream is a moist, rich dessert perfect for any celebration. The cake combines deep cocoa flavor with a tender crumb, while the smooth vanilla buttercream adds a creamy, sweet finish. Easy to bake and frost, this recipe yields a classic, crowd-pleasing treat.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Moist Chocolate Cake
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate hot liquid: Gradually add the boiling water or hot coffee to the batter while mixing. The batter will become thin, which is normal and will result in a moist cake.
- Divide batter and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare vanilla buttercream: Beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add flavor and consistency: Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more cream or milk until smooth and spreadable. Optionally, add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Assemble the cake: Level the cake layers with a serrated knife if needed. Spread a layer of buttercream between the two cakes, then frost the top and sides evenly.
- Chill and finish: Chill the assembled cake for 15 minutes to set the first coat of frosting. Apply a second, smoother coat of buttercream for a polished finish.
Notes
- For richer flavor, substitute boiling water with hot coffee in the cake batter.
- Make sure cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
- Use a serrated knife to level cake layers for even stacking and appearance.
- Chilling the cake between frosting coats helps achieve a smooth and professional finish.
- The pinch of salt in the buttercream helps balance the sweetness but can be omitted based on preference.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake with frosting)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream, moist chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, homemade cake, dessert recipe