The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe

The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe topped with a Rich and Creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting! The perfect cake for parties, birthdays or just because! This is the ONLY chocolate cake recipe you will ever need!

Love chocolate as much as I do? Then try my Chocolate Lava Cake or my Chocolate Bundt Cake!

A big slice of chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream icing

This is my all time family favorite Homemade Chocolate Cake recipe. It gets requested for everyones birthday because it’s just that good! My husband who was never a fan of cake loves this recipe! It’s super moist, chocolatey and soft. This is my go to dessert for parties, birthdays or just because. The cake is perfectly moist and is topped with a rich chocolate buttercream. Perfect for chocolate lovers! This moist chocolate cake recipe turns out perfect every time. You will never need another Chocolate Cake recipe after you make this one!

This chocolate cake is so moist thanks to my secret ingredient: coffee! Strong hot coffee creates a rich luscious cake and amplifies the chocolate flavor!

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake

  • Flour: This recipe calls for all purpose flour however you can substitute equal parts gluten free flour to make this a gluten free chocolate cake.
  • Sugar: I use a mix of granulated sugar and light brown sugar for extra softness and flavor.
  • Cocoa powder: I recommend using good quality unsweetened cocoa powder. I like using Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder however Dutch processed dark cocoa powder can be used for an even richer / bitter chocolate taste.
  • Baking powder and Baking soda: Act as leaveners for the cake.
  • Salt: Adds flavor to the cake and balances out the sweetness.
  • Milk: I use 2% in this recipe.
  • Canola oil: I prefer oil in this cake instead of melted butter. It produces a moister cake with better crumb. You can substitute melted coconut oil in place of the canola oil if you prefer!
  • Eggs: They make the cake rich and fudgey. Make sure to bring your eggs to room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Vanilla: Adds the perfect amount of flavor to the cake.
  • Hot coffee: Strong hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a silky batter! If you aren’t a fan of adding coffee simply substitute warm water instead.

How to make The BEST Chocolate Cake

  • Combine dry ingredients: Start by combining flour, both sugars, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

dry ingredients in clear bowl

  • Combine wet ingredients: With a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix in milk, oil, eggs and vanilla until combined.

pouring milk into stand mixer with the rest of wet ingredients

  • Make batter: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low. Pour in the hot coffee (Batter will be thin)

batter in clear mixing bowl

  • Bake: Divide between two 9 inch round cake pans and bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

pouring batter into greased cake pans

  • Cool: Allow the cake to cool for 15-30 minutes in the pan before inverting and placing on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

cooling chocolate cake

  • Frost: Spread the chocolate buttercream between the layers and top with chocolate chips and shaved chocolate for decoration!

spreading chocolate buttercream frosting on top of cake with an offset spatula

  • Serve: with a tall glass of milk or with a side of ice cream (my favorite!)

slice of cake on white plate with fork

  • Store: At room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days!

slicing chocolate cake topped with chocolate chips and chocolate shavings

Now for my favorite part of any cake: The Frosting. This chocolate buttercream frosting is fluffy, chocolatey and rich with just the right amount of sweetness. The perfect topping to this chocolate cake!

How to make chocolate buttercream frosting

Simply add butter to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat until fluffy and lighter in color, 2-3 minutes. Add in cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until thick and creamy. If frosting is too thick add more milk. If it is too runny add more powdered sugar. Set aside until you are ready to frost the cake. The frosting can be stored up to a day in advance in the refrigerator.

chocolate buttercream frosting in stand mixer

Why is there coffee in the cake? Can I omit it?

This best chocolate cake recipe calls for strong hot coffee to be added to the batter at the end. This creates a nice silky batter as well as emphasizes the chocolate flavor in the cake! You can also substitute espresso powder if you don’t have coffee on hand. I typically use instant coffee mixed with warm water. Don’t worry you cannot taste the coffee in this cake. If you are not a fan of coffee you can just use hot water instead!

A large slice of chocolate cake on a white plate with a fork

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! The cake can be baked, cooled then stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. The frosting can be made a day ahead and left in the refrigerator.

How to store this cake?

The cake is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The cake will be good for up to 3 days.

Chocolate Cupcakes

This simple chocolate cake recipe can be made into 24 chocolate cupcakes. Simply reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Tips

  • To make this cake eggless substitute 1/4 cup of apple sauce per egg. Alternately substitute 1/4 cup mashed banana. Cake will be done sooner is you substitute the eggs so just keep an eye on it.
  • This cake can be made into a 13 x 9 pan. Simply cut the recipe in half and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until the cake is set.
  • Don’t over bake your cake. I take it out when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

A bite of chocolate cake on a fork

Here are more cake recipes to try!

The BEST Chocolate Cake

4.86 from 85 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
The BEST Chocolate Cake with Creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting! The perfect cake for parties, birthdays or just because!

Ingredients

The Best Chocolate Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup strong hot coffee

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 ½ - 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Images:

The Best Chocolate Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter & flour two 9 inch round cake pans. In a large bowl combine flour, both sugars, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add in milk, oil, eggs and vanilla until combined.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low. Pour in the hot coffee (Batter will be thin)
  • Divide between the prepared pans and bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting.
  • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days!

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • Add butter to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat until fluffy. Add in cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until thick and creamy. If frosting is too thick add more milk. If it is too runny add more powdered sugar.
  • Set aside until you are ready to frost the cake.

Recipe Notes

*Nutrition values are for the Chocolate Cake only*

Nutrition Facts
The BEST Chocolate Cake
Amount per Serving
Calories
494
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Cholesterol
 
44
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
604
mg
26
%
Potassium
 
313
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
82
g
27
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
54
g
60
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
109
IU
2
%
Calcium
 
100
mg
10
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cake, Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, Easy Desserts, The BEST Chocolate Cake

 

 

 

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Comments - page 1/18

  • Cindy T

    Cake looks great but a couple of things are left out. What temp do you bake the cake and how much cocoa powder is in the icing?

    • Hi Cindy! I am so sorry about that you are right. The temp is 350 and you will be adding 3/4 cup of cocoa powder for the frosting. I have updated this in the recipe as well. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention!!

      Thanks!

      Kelley

    • Cindy T

      Thanks Kelley! Also please add to the directions when to add the salt and vanilla to the cake batter. Being a baker, I figured it out, but someone inexperienced might leave them out. Getting ready to make the icing. So excited!!!

    • What would I do without you Cindy!? Will update now thank you! Hope you liked it!

      Thanks again,

      Kelley

    • Cindy T

      Kelley, We are all chocoholics in my house and I have many winner recipes but this cake is definitely going into the rotation. Very moist. Very nice crumb. Very delicious !!!

    • why don’t u reprint the recipe so i can print it out& not have anything left out thanks billy please email me thanks billy

  • Chef Mondo

    It looks so good!! I’ll defiantly give it a try! I hope it turn out as good as yours :p thanks for sharing the recipe.

  • Lisa

    Looks delicious. One question…Dutch process or natural cocoa? Thank you!

  • Danielle

    This is such a gorgeous cake, Kelley! Chocolate cake is my favorite kind and that frosting looks so perfect!

  • Claudia

    Happy New Year Kelley! This cake looks like the perfect way to celebrate – and the addition of coffee always amps up the flavour. Wish I had a piece right now haha! x

  • Erika

    HOLY MOLY, this really IS the best chocolate cake ever! 😮 Baked this for my fathers birthday, but as cupcakes, and wow I had to really exhibit some self control or else I could have eaten them all!! 9000/100 thank you for this recipe!

  • ellie

    Does the frosting stay soft or does it get that hard crust to it? I am planning on making this for my fathers birthday and he doesn’t like “crunchy” frosting … Although I think that last comment was influenced by my son.

    • Hi Ellie!

      The frosting will stay soft unless you leave the cake uncovered after frosting it. I suggest frosting the cake and then covering it in a cake container. The frosting will stay soft and creamy. It is amazing!! I hope you and you Father enjoy!

      Thank you,

      Kelley

  • Paula K Nicholas

    My family doesn’t like the taste of coffee. Will this cake have a coffee taste.

    • Hi Paula,

      You cannot taste the coffee. It just helps to bring out the flavor of the chocolate. You can always substitute hot water in place of the coffee. I have done this before and it works well!

      Thanks,

      Kelley

  • Patricia Stark

    This sounds simply scrumptious! I’m wondering if this could be made in a 9×13 dish which would be easier to handle to transport to my water aerobics class. I would want to frost the top only, so should have plenty of frosting for that. Just a thought….. Thanks 🙂

    • Hi Patricia,

      Thank you! I have not tried making it in a 9 x 13 pan before so I am hesitant to suggest it. I did a little research and it seemed like they are somewhat similar in size but not exact. I imagine it would change the cooking time as well. Let me know if you try it and how you make out.

      Thanks so much!

      Kelley

    • Anjuli

      Hello,
      I’m planning on trying this cake tomorrow for a birthday and was wondering if you tried the cake in the 9×13 pan and, if so, how it turned out? I need a cake to feed 12 people so I thought that would be better than the layer cake. Thank you!
      Anjuli

    • Hi Anjuli,

      I have not tried making this in a 9 x 13. I will say I have made this cake for about 12 people before and it works perfectly (Just don’t make the slices too big!)

      Thanks!

      Kelley

  • Victoria

    i like it. look so delicious. Can i replace it with coffee flavor ?

    • Hi Victoria!

      Yes you can replace it with some espresso powder in the cake batter. I would do 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.

      Thank you!

      Kelley

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