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Classic Chocolate Cake Recipes

Classic Chocolate Cake Recipes

Moist, deeply chocolate cake with a silky cocoa frosting. Simple pantry staples make a bakery-style dessert at home.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2.33 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1.67 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-process
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp fine salt sea salt or kosher
  • 1.25 cup buttermilk shake well
  • 0.67 cup neutral oil canola or vegetable
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 0.75 cup hot brewed coffee very hot

Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
  • 3.25 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 5 tbsp heavy cream add more for softer frosting
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.13 tsp fine salt a small pinch

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  • In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
  • Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir just until no dry spots remain.
  • Stream in hot coffee and whisk until the batter is thin and even.
  • Divide batter between pans. Tap pans gently to release bubbles.
  • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 28–32 minutes.
  • Cool in pans 10 minutes. Turn out onto racks and cool completely.
  • Beat butter for frosting until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Mix in cocoa and half the powdered sugar on low until combined.
  • Add cream, vanilla, salt, and remaining sugar. Whip until smooth and spreadable.
  • Frost cooled cakes. Stack, crumb-coat, chill briefly, then finish frosting.

Notes

For extra depth, stir 1–2 tsp espresso powder into the hot coffee. Prefer cupcakes? Bake in lined tins for 18–20 minutes. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Classic Chocolate Cake Recipes flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.