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Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 22 reviews

This homemade chocolate cake with rich chocolate frosting is a perfect decadent dessert for any occasion. Moist, fluffy layers of chocolate cake are layered and frosted with a creamy chocolate buttercream, creating a classic treat that is easy to prepare and loved by all.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 68 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Spray or grease the pans with non-stick spray to ensure the cakes do not stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to blend all dry components evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Whisk everything until you achieve a smooth batter free of lumps.
  4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, stirring gently until fully combined. This step helps create a moist and tender cake texture.
  5. Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops as needed.
  6. Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
  7. Cool the Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes in the pans. Then, carefully invert the cakes onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  8. Optional Freezing: For easier frosting, you may wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze until firm.
  9. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk gradually, mixing until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency. Adjust milk or powdered sugar to achieve desired thickness.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake completely and smoothly.
  12. Serve or Store: Serve the cake immediately, or cover and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • You can use vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a different yet delicious twist.
  • The cake layers freeze well and can be frosted on the day you plan to serve it for convenience.
  • Ensure the butter used for frosting is softened to room temperature for the smoothest and creamiest result.
  • If your frosting is too thin, incrementally add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
  • This chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration where a classic chocolate dessert is desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, chocolate buttercream, birthday cake, easy chocolate cake