Description
A simple, one-bowl recipe for a deeply rich and moist chocolate layer cake, perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a very large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
- Carefully pour the hot water or coffee into the batter and mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk or cream, beating until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or more milk for a thinner consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack them.
Notes
- Using hot coffee instead of hot water deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added; this keeps the cake tender.
- Buttermilk is key for moisture; if you do not have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg