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5 from 4 votes

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

The only chocolate cake recipe you'll ever need!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Cooling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 Slices
Calories: 380kcal
Author: Neha

Equipment

  • Stand/hand held mixer
  • 3 9 inch Baking pans
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups cocoa powder (I used special dark, unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs large, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (mixed with 2 teaspoon instant coffee, optional, but highly recomended)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsps pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 ⅓ cup cocoa powder unsweetened, natural
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter three 9-inch round cake pans. Dust with flour and tap out the excess.
  • Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer using a low speed until combined.
  • Add eggs, buttermilk, warm water, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until the batter is well combined and smooth. Take care not to over beat it.
  • Divide the batter amongst three pans.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes then turn out the cakes onto the racks and allow to cool completely.
  • Layer and frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!

For Chocolate Frosting

  • Melt butter. Stir in sifted cocoa powder. Alternatingly add powdered sugar and milk and beat to a smooth, spreading consistency.
  • Add a small amount of milk, if needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in vanilla.

Notes

 
 
Coffee: The easiest way to accentuate chocolate flavor in a cake is to add instant coffee to it. Always opt for high quality cocoa and chocolate for best taste and flavor. Adding coffee is totally optional and is a personal preference though!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Slice | Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 563mg | Sugar: 84g