Ultimate Moist Chocolate Layer Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting

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Ingredients Overview

Using good-quality cocoa powder and proper mixing technique is the secret to achieving that deep chocolate flavor and soft crumb.

🍫 Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

🍫 Ingredients for the Chocolate Frosting

  • 300 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 200 g melted dark chocolate
  • ½ cup heavy cream (warm)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

🍳 Equipment Needed

  • 2 round cake pans (22–24 cm)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula or knife

🔥 Preparing the Cake Pans

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Grease both cake pans generously.
  3. Line the bottoms with baking paper.
  4. Dust lightly with cocoa powder instead of flour.

This prevents sticking and keeps the cake dark and clean.

🥣 Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the granulated sugar.
  3. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

This step helps avoid lumps and ensures even rising.

🥛 Mixing the Wet Ingredients

  1. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten.
  2. Add vegetable oil and whisk until glossy.
  3. Pour in the milk (or buttermilk).
  4. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

The oil is what gives this cake its long-lasting moisture.

🍫 Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
  2. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Pour in the hot coffee (or water) gradually while stirring.

⚠️ The batter will be thin—this is exactly what you want. Thin batter = moist cake.

🍰 Baking the Cake Layers

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  2. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  3. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
  4. Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes.
  6. Turn out onto a rack and cool completely.

Never frost a warm cake—it will melt the frosting.

🍫 Preparing the Chocolate Frosting

This frosting is rich, smooth, and intensely chocolatey.

  1. Beat softened butter until pale and creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
  3. Beat until fluffy.
  4. Pour in melted chocolate slowly.
  5. Add warm cream, vanilla, and salt.
  6. Beat for 3–5 minutes until smooth and spreadable.

If frosting feels too thick, add a tablespoon of cream.

If too soft, chill for 10 minutes.

🎂 Assembling the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a thick layer of frosting evenly on top.
  3. Place the second cake layer upside down.
  4. Frost the top and sides generously.
  5. Smooth or swirl the frosting for a rustic look.

Optional: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs on top.

❄️ Resting the Cake

Let the cake rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the frosting to set slightly and makes cutting cleaner.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a glass of cold milk
  • Pair with coffee or espresso
  • Add fresh berries for contrast
  • Serve slightly chilled for firmer slices

🧊 Storage Tips

Room Temperature

  • Store covered for up to 2 days

Refrigerator

  • Store up to 5 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving

Freezing

  • Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months
  • Wrap tightly in plastic and foil

🌟 Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Cake

  • Use good-quality cocoa powder
  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Measure ingredients accurately
  • Use room-temperature eggs
  • Let cakes cool completely

🍫 Flavor Variations

Chocolate Ganache Version

  • Replace frosting with warm ganache

Mocha Chocolate Cake

  • Add espresso powder to batter

Chocolate Orange

  • Add orange zest to frosting

Nutty Chocolate Cake

  • Add chopped hazelnuts or walnuts

❤️ Why This Cake Is Always a Winner

This chocolate layer cake is:

  • Rich without being heavy
  • Moist and tender
  • Easy to customize
  • Perfect for celebrations
  • Loved by all ages

It’s the kind of cake that people remember—and ask you to make again.

🍫 Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a deeply chocolate, moist, bakery-style cake, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple enough for home bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions

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