The Perfect Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)
A rich, moist chocolate cake with silky frosting—perfect for celebrations and chocolate lovers everywhere.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water
→ Chocolate Frosting
12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
17 - 1/4 cup whole milk, plus more if needed
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.
03 - Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
04 - Reduce mixer to low speed and carefully add boiling water. Mix until smooth, noting batter will be thin.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low until combined.
08 - Beat in vanilla and milk. Increase speed and whip for 2 minutes until light and fluffy, adding more milk if needed for spreading consistency.
09 - Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting over top. Add second layer and frost top and sides completely. Decorate as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The boiling water creates an impossibly tender crumb that stays moist for days
- This frosting is silky enough to spread smoothly but sturdy enough to hold its shape
- You probably have everything in your pantry right now
02 -
- The thin batter is intentional and results in a moist cake
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking
- Completely cooled cakes are non negotiable for successful frosting
03 -
- Weighing your ingredients produces the most consistent results
- A touch of espresso powder makes chocolate taste more chocolatey