Description
This Rich & Moist Chocolate Cake is a deliciously indulgent dessert featuring a tender chocolate crumb and a creamy, smooth chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a classic chocolate treat, this cake combines buttermilk and hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor and create a moist texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit 5 min)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk (or milk plus vinegar), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Pour in Hot Coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing. The batter will become thin, which is normal and helps achieve a moist texture.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing steadily. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, adjusting the cream quantity to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.
- Assemble and Frost: Spread frosting over one cake layer, then carefully place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Slice and serve your rich, moist chocolate cake.
Notes
- Using hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with hot water if desired.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk and vinegar to achieve similar moisture and tenderness.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
- Parchment paper helps in easy removal of cakes from pans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
