Simple Chocolate Cake Recipe
A classic, moist, and rich chocolate cake that’s easy to make and hard to resist! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a chocolate fix.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1¾ cups (245 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water or brewed coffee
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable, corn, safflower, or canola oil
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 6 oz (180 g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
(Full frosting instructions in the first comment or let me know if you’d like it added here!)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in warm water or coffee (batter will be thin—don’t worry!). - Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool & Frost:
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with chocolate frosting and stack the layers.
Tips:
- Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee.
- You can make the layers a day in advance—wrap them tightly in plastic once cooled.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 10–12 slices | Calories: ~450 kcal per slice (with frosting)
