Decadent, tender, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, this cake is made for special moments and serious chocolate lovers. Light cocoa-rich layers bake up soft and moist, then get wrapped in a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting that looks just as good as it tastes. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this classic chocolate cake makes a stunning centerpiece that never disappoints.
Best Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1½ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Hot water | 1 cup |
For the Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 3½ cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ½ cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Salt | A pinch |
Instructions
Making the Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until blended. Slowly pour in the hot water, mixing until the batter becomes smooth and thin.
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks and cool completely before frosting.
Preparing the Frosting
Step 7: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and creamy.
Step 8: Finish the Frosting
Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
Step 9: Layer and Frost
Spread an even layer of frosting over one cooled cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 10: Set the Cake
Place the cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing to help set the frosting and achieve clean, neat slices.
Moist, rich, and incredibly indulgent, this chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want to serve an impressive homemade dessert that everyone will remember.
