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Decadent multi-layered chocolate cake with rich dark frosting on an elegant white cake stand.
Emma Williams Ava

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever

This is the best chocolate cake recipe ever, yielding a moist and rich cake perfect for any occasion, topped with a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil, or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
Frosting
  • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9-inch cake pans
  • Large bowl
  • Stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Cake tester

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans with baking spray, butter, and flour, or homemade chocolate pan release.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a large bowl or stand mixer and whisk until well combined.
  3. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture and mix well, then carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.
  4. Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, then remove from the pans and cool completely.
  6. Once completely cooled, frost the cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.