Delicious Recipe
This Moist Chocolate Cake recipe delivers a rich, tender cake with a deep chocolate flavor, complemented perfectly by a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any chocolate craving, this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients and yields two 8-inch layers that can be frosted and decorated as desired.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 ensure easy removal after baking.
- 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 well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until you achieve a smooth and uniform batter.
- Incorporate hot liquid: Gradually add the boiling water or hot coffee to the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, which is expected to create a moist texture.
- Divide and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make buttercream frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter for 2–3 minutes until creamy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well between additions. Mix in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Add more cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Optionally, add a pinch of salt if the frosting is too sweet.
- Assemble the cake: Level the cooled cakes using a serrated knife if necessary. Spread a layer of buttercream between the two cake layers, then frost the top and sides evenly. Chill the assembled cake for 15 minutes before applying a second smoother coat of frosting if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute boiling water with hot brewed coffee.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Use a serrated knife to level cakes for a professional finish.
- Chill the cake after the first frosting coat to set before adding more.
- The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness and texture with the addition of salt and cream.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake with frosting)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: moist chocolate cake, chocolate cake recipe, vanilla buttercream frosting, easy chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake