Description
This ultimate moist chocolate cake is rich, decadent, and intensely chocolatey, with a tender crumb and luscious chocolate frosting. Made with coffee to deepen the cocoa flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or any chocoholic craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
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3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
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1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
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1 cup (240 ml) warm water or brewed coffee
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2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting:
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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3 1/2 cups (440 g) powdered sugar
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1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk (more if needed)
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1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
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Gradually add warm water or coffee, mixing until fully combined. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist cake.
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Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
To Make the Frosting:
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Beat the softened butter until creamy.
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Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until well incorporated.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
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Add the cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar as needed.
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Frost the completely cooled cakes. Stack and decorate as desired.
Notes
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Brewed coffee adds depth to the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with warm water.
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For added texture, consider adding chocolate chips or a layer of jam between cake layers.
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The cake layers can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American