Description
A rich and moist classic chocolate cake featuring a deep cocoa flavor and tender crumb, paired with creamy chocolate buttercream for indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8‑ or 9‑inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide batter between prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make frosting: beat butter and cocoa powder until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk or cream, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cakes as desired—stack layers and finish the outside with remaining frosting.
Notes
- For extra chocolate depth, add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the batter.
- Use dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Fill between layers with jam, peanut butter frosting, or ganache for variation.
- Decorate the top with chocolate shavings, berries, or sprinkles for presentation.
- Use an offset spatula and a quick chill for smooth frosting finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
