chefadora
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min
AmericanDessertVegetarian

This easy chocolate cake recipe yields a moist, rich, and decadent dessert that's perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply when you're craving something sweet. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time.

Ingredients

8 Servings
  • 1 3/4cup
    all-purpose flour
  • 3/4cup
    unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2tsp
    baking powder
  • 1 1/2tsp
    baking soda
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 2cup
    granulated sugar
  • 1/2cup
    vegetable oil
  • 2
    large eggs
  • 2tsp
    pure vanilla extract
  • 1cup
    buttermilk
  • 1cup
    hot water

For Frosting

  • 1/2cup
    unsalted butter
  • 2/3cup
    unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3cup
    powdered sugar
  • 1/3cup
    milk
  • 1tsp
    vanilla extract

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.

  4. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix until just combined.

  5. Stir in the buttermilk, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.

  6. Gently stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

  7. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

  8. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

  9. While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. Beat the butter until smooth, then add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.

  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for best results.

  2. Don't skip sifting the cocoa powder and flour. It helps to avoid lumps and makes the cake texture finer.

  3. The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, making the cake more flavorful and moist.

  4. Insert a toothpick into the middle of the cake to test for doneness; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

  5. Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to avoid a melted mess.