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how to make chocolate cake at home recipe

Easy Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe

A soft, rich, and moist homemade chocolate cake made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with fluffy chocolate buttercream. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or an easy family dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Homemade Cake
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee very hot
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
  3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Slowly pour in boiling water or hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. To make frosting, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add cocoa powder and mix well.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
  10. Add milk and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  11. Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting evenly on top, then place second layer over it.
  12. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Slice and serve.

Notes

Do not overbake to keep the cake moist.
• Hot coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Make homemade buttermilk by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.