Chocolate Cake Recipe

This ultimate chocolate cake recipe features moist, tender cake layers paired with a creamy, decadent chocolate cream cheese frosting. Enhanced with rich unsweetened cocoa powder and a hint of coffee, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The chocolate cake is easy to make and is sure to impress guests with its rich flavor and beautiful, smooth frosting. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe guarantees a delicious, homemade treat everyone will love.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups warm coffee (not hot), or use decaf
• 2 Tbsp white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup light olive oil (not extra virgin)

Ingredients for Chocolate Frosting:

• 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter (16 Tbsp), room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions:

For the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 2 cups sugar, 2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Sift the cocoa powder if necessary to avoid lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: 2 cups warm coffee, 2 Tbsp white vinegar, 1 Tbsp vanilla extract, and 2/3 cup light olive oil.
4. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
5. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 12 oz cream cheese and 1 cup unsalted butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
2. Sift in 5 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup cocoa powder, adding in batches to avoid lumps. Mix on low speed until combined. Add 1/2 tsp salt and mix again.
3. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and whipped, about 1 minute.
4. Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and beat for an additional 1 minute until fully combined and smooth.

To Frost the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread 1/3 of the frosting over the top of the first layer.
2. Place the second cake layer on top, top-side down, for an even surface.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Enjoy or refrigerate the cake for later.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate cake is the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. The rich, moist cake layers are perfectly complemented by a decadent, smooth chocolate cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation. The addition of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a deep, rich taste that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Flour alternative: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free option: To make this cake dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternative.
• Add-ins: Enhance the cake by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking for extra texture.
• Frosting variations: If you prefer a less rich frosting, you can reduce the amount of cocoa powder in the frosting or substitute with a vanilla buttercream frosting.
• Layered cake: To make a multi-layer cake, simply divide the batter between more cake pans and stack the layers with frosting in between.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of decaf? Yes, regular coffee works great in this recipe! It intensifies the chocolate flavor but doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee.

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake stores well. You can bake the cake layers and frost them up to 1 day in advance. Just cover the cake and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Can I freeze this chocolate cake? Yes! You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Serving

This chocolate cake is perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat after dinner. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic combination.

Suggestions

For a fancier touch, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, chopped berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re looking to make the cake even more special, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.