This Moist & Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe is everything you love about chocolate in every bite! If you’re yearning for the perfect homemade chocolate cake, this is it. It’s soft, creamy, and packed with a deep cocoa taste, all wrapped in a silky-smooth chocolate frosting. This cake will wow your taste buds whether you’re baking it for a birthday, celebration, or just because!
For a fun twist, consider pairing this cake with Boston Cream Cake for a dessert buffet or exploring other chocolate delights like the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✔ Super Moist & Tender : Thanks to hot coffee, water, oil, and buttermilk.
✔ Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor : Cocoa powder plus coffee enhances the chocolate depth.
✔ Fluffy, Creamy Frosting : Smooth buttercream frosting melts on your tongue.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion : A crowd-pleasing classic that never disappoints.
✔ Easy to Create! No difficult techniques mix, bake, and frost!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour : The base for a soft, fluffy cake.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder : Gives that deep, chocolaty depth.
- Granulated Sugar : Provides structure and sweetness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda : Help the cake rise perfectly.
- Salt : Balances the sweetness.
- Eggs : Help build tenderness and structure.
- Whole Milk (or Buttermilk) : Ensures a moist cake.
- Vegetable Oil : Keeps the cake extra moist and delicate.
- Vanilla Extract : Adds a warm, sweet aroma.
- Coffee or Hot Water : Enhances the chocolate taste and keeps the cake moist.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter (Softened) : The base for a creamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar : Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder : Adds extra chocolaty pleasure.
- Salt : Balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract : Enhances the rich flavor.
- Heavy Cream : Creates a light, fluffy texture.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pans
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans (or line them with parchment paper).
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
3️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together:
✅ Flour
✅ Cocoa powder
✅ Sugar
✅ Baking powder
✅ Baking soda
✅ Salt
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
4️⃣ Add the following to the dry ingredients:
✅ Eggs
✅ Milk or buttermilk
✅ Vegetable oil
✅ Vanilla extract
5️⃣ Mix until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Add the Coffee or Hot Water
6️⃣ Slowly stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and thin.
💡 This step enhances the chocolate taste and keeps the cake moist!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
7️⃣ Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
8️⃣ Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Chocolate Frosting
Step 6: Cream the Butter
1️⃣0️⃣ Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy.
Step 7: Add the Dry Ingredients
1️⃣1️⃣ Mix in:
✅ Powdered sugar
✅ Cocoa powder
✅ Salt
1️⃣2️⃣ Stir until fully blended.
Step 8: Add the Vanilla & Cream
1️⃣3️⃣ Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
1️⃣4️⃣ Beat until light and fluffy.
💡 Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Chocolate Cake
Step 9: Frost the Cake
1️⃣5️⃣ Place one cake layer on a serving platter.
1️⃣6️⃣ Spread half of the frosting evenly over the top.
1️⃣7️⃣ Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the sides and top.
Step 10: Set & Serve
1️⃣8️⃣ Let the cake sit for 10 minutes to set.
1️⃣9️⃣ Slice and enjoy! 🍫🎂
Perfect Chocolate Cake Pro Advice
✔ Use Hot Coffee Instead of Water : Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
✔ Don’t Overmix : Overmixing will make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
✔ For Extra Moisture : Use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
✔ Chill the Cake Before Frosting : A chilled cake makes frosting easier.
✔ Want a Stronger Chocolate Flavor? Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
How to Serve
This rich chocolate cake is amazing on its own, but here are some delicious serving ideas:
🍦 Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream : The perfect classic combo!
🍓 Topped with Fresh Berries : Adds a vibrant, juicy contrast.
🍫 Drizzled with Chocolate Ganache : For extra indulgence.
☕ Paired with a Cup of Coffee : A match made in dessert heaven!
Make Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Unfrosted Cake Layers: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Let thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating
- If refrigerated, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake in a 9×13-inch pan?
Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
2. Can I substitute Dutch-process cocoa powder?
Yes! It will create a richer, darker chocolate taste.
3. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use these swaps:
- Dairy-Free Milk: Almond, oat, or soy.
- Vegan Butter: For the frosting.
4. Why did my cake turn out dry?
- Too Much Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure.
- Overbaking: Remove the cake when a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
Rich, soft, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor, this Moist & Decadent Chocolate Cake is the only chocolate cake recipe you’ll ever need! Whether for a celebration or a simple chocolate craving, it never disappoints.
♥ Enjoy every chocolate-filled bite! 🍫🎂😋
Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch Cake Pans
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cake
- 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
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk for extra moisture
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee enhances chocolate flavor
Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream adjust for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly stir in hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin but smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread ½ of the frosting evenly on top.
- Add the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
- Let set for 10 minutes, then slice and serve!