The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Bake

Who can resist a slice of rich, moist chocolate cake? Whether it’s for a birthday, special occasion, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this chocolate cake recipe will never disappoint. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy! Paired with a creamy chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any chocolate lover.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a deliciously moist chocolate cake that comes together in no time. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple enough to follow and is sure to become a favorite in your home. Ready to dive into chocolate heaven? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake

This isn’t just any chocolate cake—it’s a deeply rich, flavorful, and incredibly moist one that’s perfect for all occasions. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

– Super Moist Texture: The combination of buttermilk and boiling water in the batter gives the cake its signature moistness. Every bite is tender and melts in your mouth.

– Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so you won’t need to run to the store for anything fancy.

– Versatile: This cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a simple dessert. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with different frostings, fillings, or even a scoop of ice cream.

– Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: What’s a chocolate cake without a smooth, creamy, and delicious buttercream frosting? This frosting takes the cake to a whole new level of indulgence.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Chocolate Cake

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for both the cake and the buttercream frosting. These simple ingredients come together to create a cake that’s rich, chocolatey, and downright irresistible.

For the Cake:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour  

– 2 cups granulated sugar  

– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder  

– 2 teaspoons baking soda  

– 1 teaspoon salt  

– 2 large eggs  

– 1 cup buttermilk  

– 1 cup vegetable oil  

– 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract  

– 1 cup boiling water  

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

– 4 cups powdered sugar (also called 10X or confectioners’ sugar)  

– ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder  

– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)  

– 2 tablespoons milk  

– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a beautiful, moist chocolate cake ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

1. Preheat the Oven:

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.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients (Except Water):

Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth. 

3. Add the Boiling Water:

Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal—this is what gives the cake its super moist texture.

4. Pour the Batter into Pans:

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

1. Bake:

Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

2. Cool the Cakes:

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, it’s the perfect time to whip up the chocolate buttercream frosting. This frosting is creamy, smooth, and incredibly chocolatey—everything you want in a buttercream.

Step 1: Beat the Butter

1. Cream the Butter:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This will ensure your frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Cocoa Powder and Sugar

1. Add Cocoa Powder and Sugar:

Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen.

2. Add Milk and Vanilla:

Add the milk and vanilla extract and continue beating on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk (one teaspoon at a time) to reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Chocolate Cake

Once your cakes have cooled completely and your frosting is ready, it’s time for the fun part—assembling the cake!

Step 1: Level the Cakes (If Needed)

1. Trim the Tops:

If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them. This will ensure your cake layers stack evenly.

Step 2: Frost the Cake

1. Start with the First Layer:

Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of chocolate buttercream frosting over the top using an offset spatula.

2. Add the Second Layer:

Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently to secure it. Spread a thin layer of frosting (this is called a crumb coat) over the entire cake to trap any loose crumbs.

3. Final Frosting Layer:

After the crumb coat sets (about 15-20 minutes in the fridge), apply a thicker layer of frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it with your spatula. Feel free to get creative with the frosting design—swirls, peaks, or a smooth finish all look great!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Chocolate Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:

Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.

2. Don’t Skip the Boiling Water:

Adding boiling water to the batter might seem unusual, but it’s the key to making this cake super moist and rich. Trust the process!

3. Make Ahead:

The cakes can be baked ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Adjust Frosting Consistency:

If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.

Fun Variations for Your Chocolate Cake

Looking to put your own spin on this classic chocolate cake recipe? Here are a few fun ideas to try:

1. Add a Filling:

Take this cake to the next level by adding a layer of raspberry jam, caramel, or peanut butter between the cake layers before frosting.

2. Make It a Layered Masterpiece:

For a truly impressive cake, double the recipe and create a 4-layer cake with alternating layers of frosting and filling.

3. Cupcake Version:

Turn this recipe into cupcakes by dividing the batter into lined cupcake tins. Reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

4. Decorate with Chocolate Shavings:

For an extra touch of decadence, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or curls on top.

Storing and Serving Chocolate Cake

Storing the Cake:

This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing the Cake:

If you need to make the cake ahead of time, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap the cooled layers in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this chocolate cake as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. You can also add fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce to take it to the next level.

Final Thoughts:

This decadent chocolate cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this chocolate cake with rich buttercream frosting is sure to hit the spot.