This Ultimate Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that embodies the perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and velvety texture. Made with high-quality cocoa powder and a touch of boiling water to enhance the chocolatey depth, this cake is irresistibly soft and indulgent. The layers are complemented by a luscious chocolate buttercream frosting, making it an ideal treat for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
- Granulated Sugar – 2 cups
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – ¾ cup
- Baking Powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Baking Soda – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Milk – 1 cup
- Large Eggs – 2
- Vegetable Oil – ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon
- Boiling Water – 1 cup
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter – 1 ½ cups (softened)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – ¼ cup
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar – 6 cups
- Milk – 4 tablespoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Pour in the boiling water and whisk until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Add the cocoa powder and salt, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and beat for another minute.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top.
- If desired, pipe decorative swirls or add chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
This Ultimate Chocolate Cake is a showstopper with its rich flavor and velvety texture. Would you like variations, such as adding espresso powder for depth or layering with chocolate ganache? 😊