Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist dessert that combines the deep flavor of cocoa with a smooth, luscious chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake features a tender crumb complemented by a creamy buttercream frosting, making it an irresistible choice for chocolate lovers.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and a lump-free batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, beating until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better cake texture.
- Using buttermilk in place of milk adds extra moisture and tanginess.
- Sift the powdered sugar to avoid clumps in the frosting.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Store the cake covered in a cool place to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, decadent cake, chocolate frosting, birthday cake, moist chocolate cake