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Best Ever Chocolate Cake

Rich, moist, and decadently chocolatey, this classic chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a chocolate indulgence. Paired with a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting, it’s sure to become your go-to chocolate cake recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment

  • 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sifter
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
  • For the Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients:
  • In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Combine Batter:
  • Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly add hot water or coffee, mixing until smooth. Batter will be thin—this is normal.
  • Bake:
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool:
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare Frosting:
  • Beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
  • Assemble Cake:
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly over the top. Place second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides.
  • Serve:
  • Slice and serve as desired. Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired.
Servings: 12 servings