The Best Chocolate Cake

This incredibly moist and rich chocolate cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! With a velvety texture and topped with decadent chocolate frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

For the Cake:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk, for thinner frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed using a hand or stand mixer until well combined.
Add Boiling Water:
Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in 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.
Make the Frosting:
Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over the first, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve this indulgent cake with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips

For extra moisture, brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 360mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 45g