Few desserts can rival the universal appeal of a classic chocolate cake. This moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey treat is a perfect choice for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With its soft layers and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a chocolate masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor)
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Boiling Liquid
Slowly add the boiling water or hot coffee to the batter, stirring constantly. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while mixing. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed for a spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with a spatula or create decorative swirls for a rustic look.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into generous portions and serve. For added flair, garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
This classic chocolate cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and timeless comfort. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or a quiet family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its moist texture and luscious frosting, every bite is pure bliss. Give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of homemade chocolate cake!