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Moist chocolate layer cake with glossy frosting on wooden stand
ChefMaster Emily

Ultimate Chocolate Cake

This rich, moist chocolate cake is full of deep cocoa flavor and topped with a luscious glossy frosting. It's the perfect treat for any occasion—from birthdays to weeknight cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Classic American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder high-quality
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • chocolate frosting for topping

Equipment

  • Cake Pans
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  4. Slowly stir in the hot coffee or water until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  6. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Frost the cakes with chocolate frosting and serve.

Notes

Chill the cake layers before frosting for a cleaner finish. This recipe also works well as cupcakes or a sheet cake.