Best Homemade Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)
A moist chocolate cake layered with creamy cocoa buttercream and subtle coffee undertones.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Cake
01 -
220 grams all-purpose flour
02 -
400 grams granulated sugar
03 -
75 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
04 -
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
05 -
10 grams baking soda
06 -
5 grams baking powder
07 -
5 grams salt
08 -
240 milliliters buttermilk, shaken
09 -
120 milliliters vegetable oil
10 -
2 large eggs, room temperature
11 -
5 milliliters pure vanilla extract
12 -
240 milliliters brewed hot coffee or water
→ Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
13 -
285 grams unsalted butter, softened
14 -
440 grams confectioners’ sugar
15 -
75 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
16 -
45 to 75 milliliters half and half or whole milk, room temperature
17 -
1.25 milliliters salt
18 -
5 milliliters vanilla extract
# Guide to Cooking:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Butter two 20 cm round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
02 -
Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment until evenly combined.
03 -
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until homogenous.
04 -
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently. Then add the hot coffee and fold in with a spatula until just combined.
05 -
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 -
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 30 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and cool completely before frosting.
07 -
Beat softened butter in a stand mixer with paddle attachment until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, 45 milliliters half and half or milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then on high for one minute. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
08 -
Level cake domes if present. Place one layer flat side up on serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream atop. Place second layer on top and frost the sides and top evenly. Optionally pipe remaining frosting and garnish as desired.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.