A Symphony of Chocolate

This cake is designed for true chocolate lovers. The secret lies in using high-quality cocoa powder and a touch of coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor. The moist crumb and rich frosting are simply divine.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let stand for 5 mins)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
  • For the Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Hot Liquid: Gradually add the hot water or coffee, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and thin. The batter will be quite liquidy; this is normal.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make Frosting: While cakes cool, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in cocoa powder.
  9. Add Sugar & Milk: Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  10. Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
  11. Enjoy: Slice and serve this amazing chocolate cake!

Tips for the Perfect Cake

For an even richer flavor, use freshly brewed hot coffee instead of water. Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture. Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tougher cake.

Join the Conversation

Sarah J.
2 days ago
This cake is an absolute dream! So moist and the frosting is perfection. My family loved it!
Mark T.
3 days ago
Tried this recipe for my wife's birthday and she was thrilled. Thank you for sharing!