There’s something truly special about a chocolate layer cake that brings joy to any occasion. This stunning dessert is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Each slice is a celebration of rich, moist chocolate cake paired with creamy chocolate frosting. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special gathering, or just a cozy night in, this cake is the perfect indulgence.
For those who love an extra pop of flavor, topping it off with fresh raspberries adds a delightful contrast. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try variations like a chocolate poke cake or a decadent ganache-covered cake. No matter how you serve it, this chocolate layer cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee or boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup heavy cream (or more as needed for consistency)
For Decoration:
Fresh raspberries
Chocolate shavings
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the 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 the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Slowly pour in the hot coffee or boiling water, mixing until smooth.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the 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: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed.
Adjust Consistency: Add salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, increasing the speed to medium-high until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top.
Stack and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Decorate: Garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling & Assembly: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Add hot coffee to the batter to enhance the chocolate taste.
Sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Chill the cake before slicing for neater layers.
This chocolate layer cake is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. With its moist cake layers and creamy frosting, it’s a treat that never disappoints. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe will always deliver. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the perfect finishing touch.