Homemade Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
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.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 6–8 tablespoons milk
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional Freezing: For easier frosting, you may wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze until firm.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, chocolate buttercream, birthday cake, easy chocolate cake