Chocolate Cake

A rich, moist chocolate cake that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving chocolate.

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
5. Slowly stir in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin.
6. Divide batter evenly between cake pans.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually.
3. Mix in cream and vanilla.
4. Beat until light and fluffy.

Assemble

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread frosting evenly on top.
3. Add the second cake layer.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake.