Chocolate Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate Chocolate Cake to brighten a birthday party, cap off a cozy family dinner, or simply indulge your love of cocoa, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for! Each forkful delivers everything you crave in a homemade treat: a moist, tender crumb, perfectly balanced sweetness, and that deep chocolate flavor you dream about. Topped with an ultra-creamy chocolate frosting, this classic Chocolate Cake brings joyful nostalgia and a little extra decadence to any table. If you’re ready to impress your friends or simply spoil yourself, let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few basic pantry staples—plus a couple of secret-weapon ingredients—transform into such a standout Chocolate Cake. Every element here plays a role, from creating a tender crumb to boosting that cocoa intensity. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a helpful tip for each:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, giving structure while keeping the crumb light.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Be sure to use a good-quality cocoa for bold chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right and helps with a moist, soft texture.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda to create plenty of lift and fluffiness.
- Baking soda: Essential for rise and for balancing the acidity in the cocoa.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—it highlights all those rich chocolate notes!
- Eggs: These provide structure and bind everything together beautifully.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps keep the crumb perfectly tender.
- Vegetable oil: For a moist cake that stays soft even days later.
- Vanilla extract: A must for bringing out and enhancing all the chocolate flavors.
- Boiling water: This sounds mysterious, but it “blooms” the cocoa for an even deeper chocolate color and taste.
- Sour cream (optional): Stirring in sour cream gives the cake extra moisture—highly recommended for an ultra-lush result.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): Room-temperature butter whips up into the dreamiest frosting base.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sifting removes lumps, making your frosting super smooth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Doubles up the cocoa flavor for a truly chocolatey finish.
- Salt (for frosting): Just a pinch rounds out all the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds another layer of flavor and smooth aroma.
- Heavy cream (for frosting): Adjust for your perfect spreading or piping consistency.
How to Make Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal later. This extra step guarantees your Chocolate Cake layers will lift cleanly and beautifully every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Combining everything thoroughly at this stage means every bite will be as chocolaty and balanced as the last.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add your eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract right into the dry mix. Beat until you don’t see any dry streaks and the batter comes together smooth as velvet. If you’re opting in for extra moisture, fold in that sour cream here—it makes a world of difference!
Step 4: Add Boiling Water for Richness
Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix gently. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin—that’s exactly how it should be. The hot water ‘blooms’ the cocoa, deepening both the flavor and color of your Chocolate Cake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them onto the middle rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. Patience here ensures your Chocolate Cake is soft, fluffy, and easy to frost!
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Beat the butter until creamy and pale in a large bowl. Sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder together, then gradually add to the butter while mixing. A good frosting is all about the right consistency, so add in the salt, vanilla extract, and just enough heavy cream to reach that perfectly spreadable, fluffy texture. Don’t be shy—give it a taste and adjust if you want it creamier or more intense!
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Once your cake layers are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting over the first layer, top with the second, and go wild frosting the sides and top. For clean slices, chill your finished Chocolate Cake for about 20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake
Garnishes
The right garnish takes a homemade Chocolate Cake from lovely to irresistible. Sprinkle on some chocolate shavings, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even scatter fresh berries for a pop of color and tang. A few curls of dark chocolate or a handful of toasted chopped nuts make every slice feel special.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Cake is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a spoonful of berry compote. For a richer treat, try a drizzle of salted caramel or a side of espresso—it really brings out those chocolate undertones!
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Cut your Chocolate Cake into bite-sized cubes for mini cake skewers, or use a round biscuit cutter for elegant individual portions. Try layering cubes in glasses with whipped cream and fruit for delectable trifles. Even a classic layer cake looks brand new dressed up with a pretty cake stand and playful candles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have leftover Chocolate Cake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm or the frosting is very soft, it’s better stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Chocolate Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap un-frosted or frosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a chocolate fix, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge. For frosted cakes, a little time at room temperature will restore that creamy, dreamy finish.
Reheating
While Chocolate Cake is divine at room temperature, if you fancy it warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. This softens the crumb and makes the frosting luxuriously melty. Just don’t overdo it—a gentle warm-up is all you need for maximum gooey decadence!
FAQs
Can I make this Chocolate Cake recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your other ingredients (especially the cocoa) are labeled gluten-free as well for peace of mind.
What kind of cocoa powder is best for Chocolate Cake?
For the richest chocolate flavor, use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and milder taste, while natural cocoa will be lighter in color and a touch sharper—either works beautifully here, so use what you love.
How can I make my Chocolate Cake extra moist?
The combination of vegetable oil and sour cream in this recipe ensures plenty of moisture, but you can also brush your cooled layers with simple syrup or coffee for a little extra lushness if desired.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes instead of layer cake?
Definitely! Simply divide the batter among cupcake liners in a muffin tin, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature, but check for doneness after 18–22 minutes.
Is it possible to make the Chocolate Frosting ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a great idea for busy schedules. Store the frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading on your Chocolate Cake.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to bake this Chocolate Cake as I am to share it! Whether you’re celebrating a special day or simply craving a little chocolate therapy, this classic recipe hits all the right notes. Gather your ingredients, invite someone to help with the frosting, and savor every wonderful bite. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and moist goodness of this homemade Chocolate Cake. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations, this easy-to-make dessert will delight any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added moisture)
Chocolate 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 (more as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add sour cream if using.
- Add boiling water: Carefully mix in boiling water until smooth.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 30–35 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, mix in sugar, cocoa, salt, vanilla, and cream until fluffy.
- Frost cakes: Layer cakes with frosting as desired.
Notes
- This cake is perfect for special occasions.
- For a richer flavor, try using espresso or coffee instead of water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
