The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

By: Jamie
4.52 from 1,416 ratings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

This chocolate cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers! The combination of rich cocoa and coffee delivers a deep, decadent flavor, while the buttercream frosting takes it over the top. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa (optional)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Frosting Options:

• Homemade Buttercream Frosting
• Homemade Chocolate Frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans or one 13x9x2-inch pan. Set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until thoroughly combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
   Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
4. Pour Batter
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven:
   • Round pans: 30–35 minutes
   • Rectangular pan: 35–40 minutes
     Test with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
6. Cool
   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Frost and Serve
   Frost the cooled cake with your preferred frosting. Enjoy!

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Tips for Success:

• Use Dutch process cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
• For an extra-moist cake, brush the layers with coffee or simple syrup before frosting.
• Make it ahead of time! The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, this chocolate cake is guaranteed to impress!