The Best Moist Chocolate Cake Homemade Recipe

The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Homemade Recipe

There’s something undeniably irresistible about a homemade chocolate cake. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just a treat-yourself moment, a chocolate cake homemade from scratch captures the essence of comfort and indulgence. This chocolate cake recipe best combines moist, rich layers of chocolate cake with a silky-smooth chocolate frosting, making it the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream.

The Best Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe

DifficultyEasy

Servings10-12

Prep time20 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time50 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-pupose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee, (or hot water for a milder taste)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  4. Stir in hot coffee (or water), mixing until the batter is smooth.
• 2

  Bake the Cake

  1. Divide batter evenly between the cake pans.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• 3

  Make the Frosting

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Gradually add heavy cream, whipping until smooth and fluffy.
• 4

  Assemble and Frost

  1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  2. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with frosting.
  3. Use an offset spatula to smooth the sides for a professional look.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk or Electric Mixer
• Cake Pans (2 x 9-inch round)
• Cooling Rack
• Offset Spatula (for frosting)

Recipe Notes and Variations

• Make it a German Chocolate Cake: Add a coconut-pecan filling between layers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour blend.
• No Buttermilk? Use 1 cup whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute.

Nutrition

Calories	450
Carbohydrates	60g
Fat	22g
Protein	5g
Sugar	45g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration of Chocolate Cake

From Ancient Cocoa to German Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake has a long and fascinating history. The journey began with ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs, who used cacao for rituals and drinks. Fast forward to the 19th century, and chocolate became a widely available ingredient in baking.

One of the most famous chocolate cake recipes is the German chocolate cake, but fun fact—it’s not actually German! The cake was named after Samuel German, an American baker who created a special type of dark chocolate used for baking. The traditional chocolate cake recipe German-style is known for its rich chocolate layers with coconut-pecan frosting, a combination that remains a classic favorite.

This chocolate cake homemade recipe is inspired by that deeply indulgent tradition, but with a simpler, more accessible twist. It keeps the rich, moist texture while using easy-to-find ingredients to create the best chocolate cake recipe scratch for home bakers.

The Art of Baking a Perfect Chocolate Cake

Making a chocolate cake recipe simple yet decadent requires understanding the science behind baking.

Key Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Scratch

1. Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: A rich, dark cocoa powder gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
2. The Right Balance of Moisture: This chocolate cake recipe easy moist includes buttermilk and hot coffee to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, tough cake—a light hand ensures a fluffy result.
4. Proper Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Interesting Things About This Chocolate Cake Recipe

• It’s incredibly versatile – You can make this as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes.
• It stays moist for days – Thanks to the buttermilk and coffee, this cake retains its moisture better than most recipes.
• It’s beginner-friendly – Even if you’re new to baking, this chocolate cake recipe easy ensures success every time!

An Overview of the Parts of This Recipe

1. The Cake Base – A deep, chocolatey cake made with simple pantry ingredients.
2. The Chocolate Frosting – A smooth, creamy, homemade buttercream that complements the cake perfectly.
3. The Assembly – Stacking, filling, and frosting for a picture-perfect homemade chocolate cake.

What Occasions Is This Recipe Perfect For?

This chocolate cake homemade is ideal for:

• Birthdays – A classic choice for celebrations!
• Anniversaries – Because chocolate = romance.
• Holidays & Gatherings – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Midweek Pick-Me-Ups – Sometimes, you just need cake!

Why This Is the Perfect Chocolate Cake Recipe

• It’s a foolproof, one-bowl recipe.
• It delivers a moist, rich chocolate flavor every time.
• It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions.