Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water (or hot coffee for extra richness)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups (440g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or heavy cream
Instructions
1. Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add salt.
- Add vanilla and milk, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Beat until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
3. Assemble:
- Place one cake layer on a plate or stand.
- Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate as desired – with sprinkles, fruit, or shaved chocolate!