Name: The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon espresso powder (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup milk (or buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk); 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil, or melted coconut oil); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup heavy cream (more as needed)

Jump to Recipe

If you have a craving for something rich, moist, and utterly divine, then you are in for a treat with The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe. This cake is the perfect combination of deep cocoa flavor, tender crumb, and that moist texture everyone dreams about. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake never fails to impress. The secret lies not just in the ingredients, but in the method that brings them all together to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe starts with a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Each one plays a crucial role, from the richness of the cocoa to the moistening power of the oil and milk, creating harmony in every bite.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and softness to the cake.
2 cups sugar: Balances out the cocoa bitterness and adds sweetness to every slice.
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, chocolatey flavor you desire in every bite.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light, fluffy texture.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Reacts with ingredients for extra lift and slight tenderness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate.
1 teaspoon espresso powder (homemade or store-bought): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
1 cup milk (or buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk): Keeps the crumb moist and tender, choose your favorite milk substitute if desired.
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola or melted coconut oil): Contributes to the cake’s moist, tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness for a perfectly balanced texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the chocolate notes.
1 cup boiling water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder, making the chocolate flavor more intense and the cake incredibly moist.

How to Make The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350º F. Make sure to prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying them with baking spray, buttering and lightly flouring, or even brushing with a homemade chocolate pan release. This little extra care ensures your cake layers come out easily and beautifully intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Whisk or stir these ingredients together thoroughly—this not only mixes everything evenly but also helps prevent any clumps of cocoa or flour from causing texture issues later on.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Except Boiling Water

Next, add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Mix at medium speed until well combined, ensuring there are no dry spots. This step builds a smooth, velvety batter that sets the foundation of your cake’s texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Boiling Water

Now for the magic moment—reduce your mixer speed, and carefully add the boiling water to the cake batter. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry, that is exactly how it should be. The hot water blooms the cocoa powder, turning this cake into a deeply chocolaty masterpiece that’s moist and tender.

Step 5: Bake With Care

Distribute the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step requires patience because the wait leads to the moist, fluffy layers that make The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe so special.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Once out of the oven, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto cooling racks. Cooling completely is key to prevent your frosting from melting into a mess! Frost as you like with your favorite Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and get ready to dive into pure chocolate bliss.

How to Serve The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A beautifully frosted cake is the star on its own, but a few simple garnishes can elevate it even more. Fresh berries, a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar, or even some chocolate shavings add a touch of elegance and texture. These little extras can make your chocolate cake look as incredible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for contrasting temperature and creaminess. Light fruit salads featuring strawberries or raspberries can cut through the richness, balancing the indulgence with fresh brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the classic slice? Serve this cake as a decadent trifle layered with pudding, whipped cream, and fresh fruit for a show-stopping dessert bowl. Or, for a party, turn it into mini cupcakes topped with that same luscious frosting to delight guests with bite-sized chocolate perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe keeps beautifully for several days when stored properly. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out. Store at room temperature if frosting contains butter, or refrigerate if it includes cream cheese or other dairy perishable ingredients.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake even longer, you can freeze both the layers and the frosted cake. Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil to prevent freezer burn. The cake can be frozen for up to three months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to bring back all that fresh-baked goodness.

Reheating

For that freshly baked feel, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the texture and melts the frosting slightly, doubling down on the cake’s melt-in-your-mouth appeal. Be cautious not to overheat, or the cake could dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe?

All-purpose flour is best for the ideal texture, but you can experiment with gluten-free blends designed for cakes. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the moistness and crumb of your cake.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

Don’t worry! Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with a tiny bit of instant coffee granules.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The classic toothpick test works wonders—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid opening the oven too frequently to prevent the cake from collapsing.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the milk for almond or coconut milk and use a dairy-free buttercream frosting. The texture and flavor remain wonderful with these substitutions.

What’s the best way to get even cake layers?

Use a kitchen scale to measure equal amounts of batter into your pans or use a measuring cup. Additionally, tapping the pans gently on the counter before baking helps remove air bubbles and allows the batter to settle evenly.

Final Thoughts

When you make The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe, you’re not just baking a dessert—you’re creating a moment of joy and celebration that everyone will remember. From the moist, tender crumb to the intense chocolate flavor, this cake has a way of making any day special. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to the pure happiness that this cake brings.

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This rich and moist chocolate cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Featuring a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by espresso powder and a velvety chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress both family and guests.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray, buttering and lightly flouring, or brushing them with homemade chocolate pan release to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients & Combine: Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Using a mixer on medium speed, blend until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
Incorporate Boiling Water: Reduce mixer speed to low and carefully pour in boiling water. Mix until fully combined; the batter will be thin, which is normal and helps create a moist cake.
Pour and Bake: Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Remove cakes from oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and allow to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition. Add salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if necessary.
Frost the Cake: Once cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of chocolate buttercream frosting over the first cake layer, then place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides evenly.

Notes

You can substitute the milk with buttermilk, almond milk, or coconut milk depending on dietary preferences.
Using espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Ensure the boiling water is added slowly to avoid splashing and to keep the batter smooth.
For best results, let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Store the frosted cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American