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Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

This Best Chocolate Cake recipe features a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey cake made with dark unsweetened cocoa powder and a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any chocolate craving, this cake combines simple pantry ingredients with easy-to-follow steps for a delightful homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup DARK unsweetened cocoa powder (no substitutions, must be DARK)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Frosting

  • 1 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, dark unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together until evenly blended to ensure the cake will bake evenly.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients will add moisture and flavor to your cake.
  3. Combine and Add Boiling Water: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Then, carefully add the boiling water to the batter, stirring slowly to create a smooth, thin batter. The water helps bloom the cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
  4. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder alternately with the milk, beating on medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. Adjust consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat of frosting all over the cake. Chill for 20 minutes, then finish frosting the cake smoothly. Decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Use DARK unsweetened cocoa powder specifically for the richest flavor; regular cocoa will alter the taste and color.
  • Boiling water is essential to bloom the cocoa powder and thin the batter for a moist texture.
  • Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slight flavor twist.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives in the frosting.

Keywords: chocolate cake, dark cocoa cake, moist chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, chocolate frosting recipe, easy chocolate cake

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