Now we’re talking! A truly great chocolate cake is something special – rich, moist, deeply chocolatey, and perfect for any celebration (or Tuesday afternoon).
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (or hot water), cooled
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thin – that’s normal!
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream. Add vanilla and salt. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed for spreading consistency.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides.
Tips:
- Don’t skip the coffee – it intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results
- For extra decadence, add chocolate chips to the batter or chocolate ganache between layers
- The cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded
This is the kind of cake that makes people ask for the recipe!
Enjoy !!!
