Name: Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk); ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup heavy cream (plus more as needed); 2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate Chocolate Cake, you’ve just struck gold. This is the kind of cake that makes any occasion feel extraordinary—birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday that demands something special. With impossibly moist, fudgy layers and a dreamy chocolate frosting, it truly delivers on every level. Every bite is pure chocolate bliss, whether you’re a lifelong choco-holic or simply love a well-made classic. This recipe is all about simplicity and joy—Chocolate Cake the way it’s meant to be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Cake is how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect crumb and melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Each component delivers a boost in flavor, richness, or texture, and when they’re all combined, the result is a show-stopping dessert that never disappoints.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and provides the perfect tender crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The reason behind the cake’s deep, irresistible chocolate flavor and rich color.
Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness—it helps keep the cake moist and delightful.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to lift the cake, making it airy and light while ensuring a beautiful rise.
Salt: Just a touch deepens the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Eggs: Bind everything together, add richness, and help the cake hold its shape.
Whole milk (or buttermilk): Adds moisture and a slight tang for a more complex flavor profile.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra-moist—even days after baking!
Vanilla extract: Rounds out and enhances all the chocolate notes.
Hot coffee (or hot water): Intensifies the chocolate and gives the batter the perfect texture.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Your key to ultra-creamy, luscious frosting.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the right consistency.
Heavy cream (for frosting): Adds silky smoothness and makes the frosting easily spreadable.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and lets the chocolate flavor shine.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Before you do anything else, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your cake pans is an important first step—nothing derails a cake celebration faster than sticking! You can use parchment paper for extra insurance. Set those aside until you’re ready for action.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which means a perfectly risen Chocolate Cake every time.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until everything is smooth and well-blended. No streaks or lumps here—aim for a rich, unified batter.

Step 4: Stir in the Hot Coffee

This is the moment when the magic really happens. Slowly pour in the hot coffee, stirring gently as you go. Don’t worry if the batter seems thin—that’s exactly what you want. The coffee won’t make your cake taste like coffee; it simply brings out the deepest chocolate notes.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before frosting—patience is key to that perfect finish!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool, beat softened unsalted butter until it’s light and creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then whip everything together until you’ve got a fluffy, spreadable frosting. You can add a splash more cream if you’d like it even silkier.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, frost the top of one, stack the second layer over it, and cover the sides and top with the remaining frosting. You can go rustic with swoops and swirls, or keep it smooth and elegant—it’s your Chocolate Cake masterpiece, so decorate to your heart’s content.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Garnishing your Chocolate Cake turns an everyday treat into something truly special. Try a dusting of cocoa powder, a cloud of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings over the top. Berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a pop of color and a fruity contrast that pairs beautifully with rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

This cake absolutely shines on its own, but it can be complemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel, or even a handful of toasted nuts. Serving it alongside fresh fruit or a cold glass of milk brings out the best in every moist, chocolatey bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Change up your presentation by serving Chocolate Cake as cupcakes for parties, or bake it in a sheet pan for a potluck-friendly version. You can even go all out and add a drizzle of glossy chocolate ganache, sprinkle on edible gold leaf, or layer slices with whipped cream and fruit for a dramatic trifle-inspired dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Cake keeps beautifully! Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop it into the fridge—it’ll stay delicious for up to five days.

Freezing

If you want to save your cake for a rainy day, wrap individual slices or the whole (unfrosted) Chocolate Cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost when you’re ready to enjoy—it’ll taste wonderfully fresh!

Reheating

Bringing cold cake back to life is easy. Allow refrigerated or frozen slices to come to room temperature—about 30 minutes on the counter does the trick. For an extra treat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds to gently warm and refresh that rich, moist texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different size cake pan?

You sure can! This Chocolate Cake batter is wonderfully versatile—bake it as a sheet cake, in cupcakes, or in different round pans. Just keep in mind that the bake time will vary, so keep a close eye and check for doneness with a toothpick.

What can I use instead of hot coffee?

If you’re not a coffee fan, hot water works perfectly well. The main purpose is to bloom the cocoa powder and enhance the depth of flavor, not to add coffee taste.

Can this cake be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for a dairy-free alternative (like almond or oat milk) and use a plant-based butter for the frosting. You’ll still get a rich and moist Chocolate Cake without any dairy.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pans?

Generously grease and flour your cake pans, and for extra security, add a circle of parchment paper to the bottom. Be sure the cake is fully cooled before removing it—this helps keep every slice picture-perfect.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the chocolate frosting up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just let it come to room temperature and give it a quick re-whip before spreading on your cake.

Final Thoughts

Whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser or a bit of homemade indulgence, this Chocolate Cake always delivers. There’s just something magical about sharing a slice (or two!) with the people you love. Give it a try and experience for yourself why this recipe is a go-to classic!