If you’re craving a classic, rich chocolate cake that’s both moist and full of deep chocolate flavor, this Chocolate Cake is the one to try.

This chocolate cake combines simple pantry staples with a luscious cocoa-infused batter and a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting that makes every bite irresistibly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Whether you’re baking for a cozy weeknight dessert, a birthday party, or a potluck gathering,

this cake will impress with its perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

Ultimate Chocolate Cake

George Law

This moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey cake is a classic dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with cocoa, butter, and buttermilk, it delivers a tender crumb and intense flavor ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or cozy nights in.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

two 9-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
whisk
saucepan
wire cooling rack
spatula or spoon

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter
4 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
4 tbsp cocoa powder (for frosting)
6 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 lb powdered sugar

Instructions

Pour batter into pans and bake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.
In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in cocoa powder and boiling water, then remove from heat.
Pour hot cocoa mixture into flour mixture and stir until combined.
Add buttermilk mixture and stir until batter is smooth.
Pour batter into pans and bake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes for 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
For frosting: melt butter, stir in cocoa and milk, bring to boil, then remove from heat.
Add vanilla and powdered sugar; mix until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Frost cooled cakes, layer and decorate as desired.

Notes

For an even deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. You can customize the frosting consistency with more or less milk. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Serve with berries or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Keyword birthday cake, chocolate cake, classic dessert, moist chocolate cake

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake

Simple and approachable: Using common ingredients and straightforward steps, this Chocolate Cake is perfect even for beginner bakers.
Moist and fluffy: The addition of buttermilk and boiling water in the batter makes the crumb tender and keeps the cake moist.
Deep chocolate flavor: Cocoa powder combined with melted butter and warm cocoa mixture creates an intense chocolate taste.
Versatile: Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, and easy to decorate or dress up with your favorite toppings.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a comforting dessert everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients Chocolate Cake

For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice, rest for 5 mins)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
6 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

Optional add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder and boiling water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat immediately.
Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently until combined.
Add the buttermilk mixture and stir until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the cocoa powder and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting becomes smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To refresh the cake after refrigeration, bring it to room temperature for best flavor and softness.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Serve your chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries, sliced strawberries, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings make beautiful and tasty garnishes. For a festive touch, you could also top with edible gold dust or colorful sprinkles.

Optional Variations to Try

Add a hint of espresso powder to the batter to amplify the chocolate flavor.
Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy complement.
Mix-ins like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even orange zest can add unique twists.

Cultural Note

Chocolate cake has been a beloved dessert worldwide for decades, originating from the rich tradition of baking with cocoa that dates back centuries. This Chocolate Cake reflects a classic American style, focusing on moist texture and rich chocolatey taste that has become a staple in celebrations and family gatherings alike.