Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-moist texture
• Rich chocolate flavor
• Easy-to-follow recipe
• Perfect for birthdays and parties
• Soft, fluffy crumb
• Delicious chocolate buttercream frosting

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups (420 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4–6 tablespoons milk or cream
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

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

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Oil
• Vanilla extract

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin—this is normal.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Buttercream

Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add:

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Mix on low speed until combined.

Add:

• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Milk (one tablespoon at a time)

Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a thick layer of frosting over the top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Step 6: Decorate

Optional decorations:

• Chocolate shavings
• Chocolate curls
• Fresh strawberries
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate ganache drizzle

Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

Ingredients

• 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream

Method

1. Heat the cream until steaming.
2. Pour over the chopped chocolate.
3. Let sit for 2 minutes.
4. Stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Drizzle over the frosted cake.

Storage

Room Temperature

• Up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Refrigerator

• Up to 5 days.

Freezer

• Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Chef’s Tips

✔ Use hot coffee instead of water to intensify the chocolate flavor.

✔ Do not overmix the batter.

✔ Bring refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before baking.

✔ Cool the cake completely before frosting.

✔ For an extra-rich cake, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.

Yield

12–14 servings

Prep Time

25 minutes

Bake Time

35 minutes

Cooling & Frosting Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 45 minutes

This Chocolate Cake is incredibly moist, rich, and decadent, with tender layers and luscious chocolate frosting that make every bite unforgettable