Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you have a craving for something decadently rich yet surprisingly simple to make, this Chocolate Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite dessert. It’s a luscious blend of deep cocoa flavors, tender crumb, and just the right touch of sweetness that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and impressive chocolate indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a chocolate cake that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistibly soft. Each component is essential, whether it’s enhancing texture, moisture, or that signature chocolatey depth.

• 1 cup milk (we use Oatly full fat for dairy free): Adds richness and moisture, making the crumb tender and smooth.
• 1 tablespoon vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and remain fluffy.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its tender texture.
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold everything together just right.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor without any bitterness.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: A leavening agent helping the cake rise perfectly.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Works with baking soda for a fluffy, soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding moisture and richness.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender for days.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water with 1 teaspoon coffee extract): Intensifies the chocolate taste and adds complexity.
• 1 1/2 cups butter (softened, we use Country Crock for dairy free): Essential for the creamy frosting with a smooth, spreadable texture.
• 5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect consistency.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the frosting’s deep chocolate flavor with richness and intensity.

How to Make Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Start by combining your milk and vinegar in a small bowl and let it sit for about five minutes to create a buttermilk-like mixture. This little trick helps tenderize the cake crumb beautifully. Then, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is nice and smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the wet ingredients are resting, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Sifting not only breaks up any lumps but also aerates the mix, ensuring an even, fluffy crumb after baking.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with the buttermilk mixture you prepared. Mixing gently but thoroughly will give you a silky batter, avoiding overmixing, which can make the cake tough. Finally, stir in the hot coffee or coffee-infused water—it might seem unusual, but this step unlocks the cake’s rich, nuanced flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into greased and floured cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to keep your layers clean and moist.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until the frosting is smooth and creamy. The texture should be spreadable but sturdy enough to hold beautiful layers or swirls. Taste and adjust sweetness if you like, because a perfect frosting layer is essential to finishing a great Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly on top before adding the second layer. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out or creating peaks and patterns as your creativity strikes.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Chocolate Cake Recipe by adding fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of cocoa nibs, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. A few shavings of dark chocolate or some edible gold leaf can make your cake look like it came straight from a bakery with an artistic touch.

Side Dishes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for contrast and extra creaminess. Fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries also pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness with a touch of natural sweetness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices with a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for that wow factor. You can even create mini versions of this cake in cupcake form for parties, making a fun and handheld treat that still honors the classic Chocolate Cake Recipe flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For warmer climates, keep it refrigerated, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This Chocolate Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also freeze the assembled cake; just be sure to use an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you like your chocolate cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out that melty softness and intensifies the chocolate aroma, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for the Oatly full fat milk in this Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Regular dairy milk works just as well and will still give you excellent moisture and flavor. The Oatly is just a great dairy-free alternative that keeps the cake rich.

Why is hot coffee used in the cake batter?

Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor dramatically without making the cake taste like coffee. It deepens the cocoa notes and balances the sweetness, making the chocolate taste more robust.

Is this Chocolate Cake Recipe suitable for vegans?

This version contains eggs and butter, but with some careful substitutions like flax eggs and vegan butter, you can veganize it. The Oatly milk and Country Crock butter already make it easier to adapt.

How long does the cake last once frosted?

At room temperature, the cake will keep well for 2 days. If refrigerated, it stays fresh up to 5 days. Always store it in an airtight container for best results.

Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes instead of a cake?

Definitely! Just fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature. The same delicious Chocolate Cake Recipe batter works perfectly in smaller doses.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and simple ingredients, this cake is an absolute joy to make and share. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of chocolate happiness. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.

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