Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Chocolate lovers unite around this decadent chocolate cake recipe that promises pure bliss.

Rich, velvety layers of the best chocolate cake recipe bring pure delight to any dessert table.

Every bite melts with intense cocoa goodness and tender crumb.

Smooth chocolate frosting blankets each layer with luxurious sweetness.

the recipe balances deep chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sugar and moisture.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this showstopping dessert that will earn endless compliments.

Prepare to transform your baking game with this ultimate chocolate cake masterpiece.

Why This Chocolate Cake Is Always a Winner

• This recipe guarantees a moist, tender chocolate cake with its clever low-temperature baking method, ensuring even cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or weekend family gatherings, this decadent chocolate cake appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages with its rich, intense flavor.
• Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make this recipe accessible for home bakers of any skill level, with clear instructions that take the stress out of cake making.
• The rustic ganache drip and frosting border create a stunning visual effect that looks professionally made, yet is easy enough for home cooks to achieve with minimal decorating skills.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Chocolate Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure to the chocolate cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds aromatic complexity.
• Hot Water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates a smooth batter.

• Butter, Powdered Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Create a rich and creamy chocolate frosting.
• Heavy Cream, Chocolate Chips: Form a smooth and glossy ganache topping.
• Milk or Water: Adjusts the frosting consistency as needed.
• Decorative Sprinkles: Adds a fun and festive touch to the cake.

How to Bake Moist Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set oven to 300°F.

Generously grease three 8-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate any potential clumps.

Step 3: Create Smooth Batter

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil

Blend gently until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 4: Activate Chocolate Magic

Combine vanilla extract with hot water and fold into batter.

The liquid will create a wonderfully runny consistency.

Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide pans into preheated oven.

Bake for 30-33 minutes until toothpick reveals minimal crumbs.

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Luxurious Frosting

Cream butter until silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Cocoa powder

Adjust liquid to achieve ideal spreading consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Cake Layers

Trim cake tops for even stacking.

Layer cake with frosting between each section.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, embracing a rustic aesthetic.

Step 8: Create Glossy Ganache

Heat heavy cream until near boiling.

Pour over chocolate chips.

Let sit briefly, then whisk until glossy.

Drizzle dramatically around cake edges.

Step 9: Final Decorative Touch

Pipe frosting borders.

Sprinkle decorative elements.

Allow ganache to set before serving this showstopping dessert.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Cake Perfection

• Bake at a lower temperature (300°F) to ensure the cake stays incredibly soft and tender without drying out.
• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cocoa powder lumps and guarantee a smooth, even cake texture.
• Stir batter just until combined – overmixing can make the cake tough and dense, compromising its delicate crumb.
• Hot water helps intensify chocolate flavor and creates a lighter, more delicate cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Let chocolate ganache cool slightly before drizzling to achieve perfect drips and a stunning professional finish.

Storing and Reheating Chocolate Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap individual cake layers or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool. Use a cake dome or large inverted bowl to protect from dust and maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best results, let cake come to room temperature naturally before serving to preserve its rich texture and flavor.

Great Pairings for Chocolate Cake

• Indulge with Perfect Pairings
• Sip Robust Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich chocolate cake's deep flavors, cutting through the sweetness with tannic undertones and creating a luxurious taste experience.
• Match with Espresso: A strong, freshly brewed espresso highlights the cake's chocolate intensity, providing a classic Italian-style dessert pairing that elevates both the coffee and cake's complex notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast against the warm, dense chocolate cake, balancing richness with smooth, cool freshness.
• Complement with Raspberry Coulis: A tart raspberry sauce drizzled alongside adds bright, fruity acidity that cuts through the cake's decadence, introducing a sophisticated flavor dimension that makes each bite more exciting.

Chocolate Cake Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or coconut flour, ensuring the texture remains moist and rich.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining a decadent chocolate flavor.
• Nut-Infused Chocolate Cake: Add ground almonds or hazelnut meal to the batter for extra depth and a subtle nutty undertone, complementing the chocolate's richness.

FAQs

• Why is buttermilk important in this chocolate cake recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and creates a tender crumb by breaking down gluten proteins, making the cake softer and more delicate than using regular milk.

• Can I substitute cocoa powder in this recipe?

Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa works well and will provide a deeper, richer chocolate taste compared to natural cocoa powder.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the cake batter?

Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.

• What's the purpose of adding hot water to the chocolate cake batter?

Hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a more liquid batter that results in a moist, rich cake texture.

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice over this irresistible chocolate cake recipe that promises pure dessert bliss. Rich layers of moist chocolate goodness will transport you to sweet paradise, making each bite a delightful celebration of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (414g) sugar
• 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cake Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water

Frosting and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (560 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 9 cups (1035 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (114 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 45 tablespoons (60–75 milliliters) water/milk
• 1 pinch of salt
• 6 ounces (1 cup | 169 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 300°F (148°C), ensuring a gentle baking environment for maximum moisture. Coat three 8-inch cake pans with grease and line bottoms with parchment paper to prevent adhesion.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps and ensure uniform distribution.
3. Incorporate eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil into the dry mixture. Blend carefully without overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
4. Create a liquid mixture by combining vanilla extract with hot water. Pour into the batter, stirring until the consistency becomes fluid. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-33 minutes until a toothpick inserted reveals minimal crumbs. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
6. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until smooth. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, vanilla, and minimal liquid to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Incorporate cocoa powder for depth of flavor.
7. Level cake layers using a serrated knife. Stack layers, spreading frosting between each. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, embracing a rustic aesthetic.
8. Craft ganache by heating heavy cream to near-boiling point. Pour over chocolate chips, allowing brief resting before whisking to silky smoothness. Drizzle around cake edges, allowing elegant drips.
9. Embellish with piped frosting borders and decorative elements. Allow ganache to set completely before serving, creating a visually stunning and decadent chocolate cake.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for a smoother, fluffier frosting that spreads easily without lumps.
• Choose high-quality dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate taste that elevates the entire cake.
• Mix batter just until ingredients combine to keep the cake tender and prevent developing too much gluten.
• Lower oven temperature helps create a more even, moist cake by preventing rapid moisture evaporation during baking.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for regular flour, use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, or swap eggs with applesauce for different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 43mg