Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Deliciously Moist Chocolate Layer Cake. This rich and fudgy cake features layers of chocolate goodness, perfectly complemented by creamy chocolate buttercream frosting. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it an exquisite treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration worth savoring. Crafted with simple pantry staples, this recipe allows you to impress guests or simply indulge yourself at home. Whether served plain or adorned with fresh berries and whipped cream, this cake is sure to steal the spotlight and delight chocolate lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

Scale

1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil or melted coconut oil)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed strong hot coffee (regular or decaf)
1 and 1/4 cups (282g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or dutch process)
3–5 Tablespoons (45-75ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk), at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
optional for decoration: semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional espresso powder.
In another bowl, mix oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth. Gradually add hot coffee.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; the batter will be thin.
Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 23–26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10–15 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder along with heavy cream and vanilla until desired consistency.
Assemble by leveling cakes if needed; frost between layers and cover the top and sides.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice / 80g
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg