Nothing satisfies a chocolate craving quite like a rich, moist chocolate cake. This cake is the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and tender texture, making it the ultimate treat for any occasion. Topped with a creamy chocolate frosting and garnished with fresh strawberries, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a gathering, or just to indulge in a slice of chocolatey goodness, this is the best chocolate cake recipe you’ll ever need.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
For the Chocolate Frosting:
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
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh strawberries
Chocolate shavings
Chocolate ganache drizzle
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Combine Batter: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Then, slowly add the hot coffee, stirring until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until combined. Add vanilla and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides evenly.
Decorate: Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of ganache.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The better the cocoa, the richer the flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
Hot Coffee is Key: It enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide.
This best chocolate cake recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With its deep, rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Whether for a celebration or just a treat-yourself moment, this cake is always a good idea!