The allure of a rich, decadent chocolate cake is hard to resist for anyone who calls themselves a chocolate lover. This recipe is my go-to for celebrations, comforting weekends, or when I simply need that chocolate fix. It’s perfect for all levels of bakers, from beginners to pros, and delivers a moist, deeply chocolaty experience.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour,
- 2 cups sugar,
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder,
- 2 teaspoons baking soda,
- 1 teaspoon baking powder,
- 1 teaspoon salt,
- 1 cup buttermilk,
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil,
- 2 large eggs,
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract,
- 1 cup hot water,
- 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
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add these wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Stir in the hot water into the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is what makes the cake so moist. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla and heavy cream, and beat until fluffy. Adjust with more cream or powdered sugar, as needed, to achieve spreading consistency.
Once the cakes have cooled, spread frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired.
Final words
Congratulations! You’ve now made the Ultimate Chocolate Cake that’s perfect for almost any occasion or simply when you need a little taste of heaven. This easy to follow recipe brings the chocolatey goodness that dreams are made of right into your kitchen. I hope you enjoy every decadent slice. Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on our site. Happy baking!
Tags
chocolate cake recipe, ultimate chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake
