The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (2024)

The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe topped with a Rich and Creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting! The perfect cake for parties, birthdays or just because! This is the ONLY chocolate cake recipe you will ever need!

Love chocolate as much as I do? Then try my Chocolate Lava Cake or my Chocolate Bundt Cake!

The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (1)

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the best chocolate cake

This is my all time family favorite Homemade Chocolate Cake recipe. It gets requested for everyones birthday because it’s just that good! My husband who was never a fan of cake loves this recipe! It’s super moist, chocolatey and soft. This is my go to dessert for parties, birthdays or just because. The cake is perfectly moist and is topped with a rich chocolate buttercream. Perfect for chocolate lovers! This moist chocolate cake recipe turns out perfect every time. You will never need another Chocolate Cake recipe after you make this one!

This chocolate cake is so moist thanks to my secret ingredient: coffee! Strong hot coffee creates a rich luscious cake and amplifies the chocolate flavor!

ingredients for chocolate cake

  • Flour: This recipe calls for all purpose flour however you can substitute equal parts gluten free flour to make this a gluten free chocolate cake.
  • Sugar: I use a mix of granulated sugar and light brown sugar for extra softness and flavor.
  • Cocoa powder: I recommend using good quality unsweetened cocoa powder. I like using Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder however Dutch processed dark cocoa powder can be used for an even richer / bitter chocolate taste.
  • Baking powder and Baking soda: Act as leaveners for the cake.
  • Salt: Adds flavor to the cake and balances out the sweetness.
  • Milk: I use 2% in this recipe.
  • Canola oil: I prefer oil in this cake instead of melted butter. It produces a moister cake with better crumb. You can substitute melted coconut oil in place of the canola oil if you prefer!
  • Eggs: They make the cake rich and fudgey. Make sure to bring your eggs to room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Vanilla: Adds the perfect amount of flavor to the cake.
  • Hot coffee: Strong hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a silky batter! If you aren’t a fan of adding coffee simply substitute warm water instead.

how to make the best chocolate cake

  • Combine dry ingredients: Start by combining flour, both sugars, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
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  • Combine wet ingredients: With a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix in milk, oil, eggs and vanilla until combined.
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  • Make batter: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low. Pour in the hot coffee (Batter will be thin)
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  • Bake: Divide between two 9 inch round cake pans and bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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  • Cool: Allow the cake to cool for 15-30 minutes in the pan before inverting and placing on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
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  • Frost: Spread the chocolate buttercream between the layers and top with chocolate chips and shaved chocolate for decoration!
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  • Serve: with a tall glass of milk or with a side of ice cream (my favorite!)
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  • Store: At room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days!
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Now for my favorite part of any cake: The Frosting. This chocolate buttercream frosting is fluffy, chocolatey and rich with just the right amount of sweetness. The perfect topping to this chocolate cake!

How to make chocolate buttercream frosting

Simply add butter to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat until fluffy and lighter in color, 2-3 minutes.Add in cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until thick and creamy. If frosting is too thick add more milk. If it is too runny add more powdered sugar. Set aside until you are ready to frost the cake. The frosting can be stored up to a day in advance in the refrigerator.

The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (10)

Why is there coffee in the cake? Can I omit it?

This best chocolate cake recipe calls for strong hot coffee to be added to the batter at the end. This creates a nice silky batter as well as emphasizes the chocolate flavor in the cake! You can also substitute espresso powder if you don’t have coffee on hand. I typically use instant coffee mixed with warm water. Don’t worry you cannot taste the coffee in this cake. If you are not a fan of coffee you can just use hot water instead!

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Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! The cake can be baked, cooled then stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. The frosting can be made a day ahead and left in the refrigerator.

how to store this cake?

The cake is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The cake will be good for up to 3 days.

how to make chocolate cupcakes

This simplechocolate cake recipe can be made into 24 chocolate cupcakes. Simply reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

tips

  • To make this cake eggless substitute 1/4 cup of apple sauce per egg. Alternately substitute 1/4 cup mashed banana. Cake will be done sooner is you substitute the eggs so just keep an eye on it.
  • This cake can be made into a 13 x 9 pan. Simply cut the recipe in half and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until the cake is set.
  • Don’t over bake your cake. I take it out when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
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Here are more cake recipes to try!

  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
  • Amazing Carrot Cake
  • Easy Everyday Chocolate Cake
  • Marble Bundt Cake
  • Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
  • Chocolate Lava Cake
  • Chocolate Pound Cake
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake

The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (16)

The BEST Chocolate Cake

4.84 from 97 votes

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The BEST Chocolate Cake with Creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting! The perfect cake for parties, birthdays or just because!

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 55 minutes mins

Ingredients

The Best Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Instructions

The Best Chocolate Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter & flour two 9 inch round cake pans. In a large bowl combine flour, both sugars, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

    The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (17)

  • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add in milk, oil, eggs and vanilla until combined.

    The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (18)

  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the mixer on low. Pour in the hot coffee (Batter will be thin)

    The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (19)

  • Divide between the prepared pans and bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (20)

  • Cool the cake completely before frosting.

    The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (21)

  • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days!

    The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (22)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • Add butter to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat until fluffy. Add in cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Beat until thick and creamy. If frosting is too thick add more milk. If it is too runny add more powdered sugar.

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  • Set aside until you are ready to frost the cake.

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Notes

*Nutrition values are for the Chocolate Cake only*

Nutrition Information

Calories: 494kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 7gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 604mgPotassium: 313mgFiber: 4gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 109IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

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The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe! (Rich & Moist) - Chef Savvy (2024)

FAQs

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

Mayonnaise: The Hidden Gem in Cake Recipes

Made up of eggs and oil, mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier, adding creaminess and moisture to your cake. This unexpected addition can take your cake recipes to a whole new level. To incorporate mayonnaise into your cake batter, simply add a couple of tablespoons to the mix.

Is brown sugar better for chocolate cake? ›

That's because brown sugar is more hygroscopic than white sugar, meaning it locks in moisture better. Out of the oven, your chocolate cake won't be crumbly or dry, and you may find that the cake retains its moisture for a longer length of time, thanks to the brown sugar.

How do you make a cake richer? ›

Enrich with fat.

Or you can change out the neutral oil for fragrant olive oil, especially when pairing with citrus (as in olive oil–lemon cake). Mix in room-temperature cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, whole-fat yogurt, or peanut butter in addition to the fat called for on the box to yield even richer cakes.

Why is it called better than Robert Redford cake? ›

So somewhere along the line, someone created this recipe and they thought it was so delicious that they dubbed it as “Better Than Robert Redford.” I guess Robert Redford was kind of a big deal back in the day. I'd personally call it “Better Than George Clooney.” I'm sure everyone has their own version.

What is the main ingredient that makes a cake moist? ›

One common ingredient swap that is known to help make cakes remarkably moist is using milk instead of water. Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise.

What is the best sugar for moist cake? ›

Your cakes will still hold up if you use granulated sugar as both the flavour and water content are the same. Caster sugar, however, is much finer and dissolves much easier than granulated sugar which is coarser in texture.

What sugar is best for homemade chocolate? ›

The most common types of sugar used in chocolate making is refined white sugar or unrefined cane sugar. Other sugars may include coconut sugar, palm sugar, and even alternative sugars (but we won't go into those here).

What type of sugar is best for cake? ›

Because of this caster sugar is generally the most versatile and preferred of the two when baking – its small granules mixes more easily and dissolve more readily when combined with other ingredients giving biscuits, cakes, pastries etc.

Does adding an extra egg make cake more moist? ›

Boxed cake mixes tend to be lighter in consistency, but if you're craving that thicker, moister, denser cake, then all you have to do is add an extra egg to your mix. The additional fat in the egg yolk helps create a more tender and moist cake that is full of flavor.

Should you beat eggs before adding to cake mix? ›

Martina says, “Late in the mixing stage, eggs will incorporate better if you lightly beat them before adding to the batter. The finished cake may be slightly shorter than expected, but its flavor and tenderness shouldn't be affected.” For egg-leavened cakes, the eggs are crucial.

What makes cake rise and moist? ›

Most cakes will call for a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda. These create the bubbles you need for the cake to rise.

What is the most loved cake in the world? ›

Chocolate Cake

You've guessed it right! Chocoholics' favorite dense and moist chocolate cake ranks top of the list. Glazing the cake with a thick chocolate ganache is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this dessert!

What is the best cake in the world? ›

Recipes. Sponge cake baked with meringue and almonds becomes the centerpiece of this delightful layer cake filled with custard and whipped cream. Kvæfjordkake began its inception in the north of Norway and has earned it's nickname as verdens beste, “the world's best”.

What is Elvis Presley cake? ›

An Elvis Presley cake is a single-layer classic yellow cake that's topped with a pineapple glaze. Much like a poke cake, the syrup and juices of the pineapple will seep into the cake through fork holes, resulting in a decadent, ultra-moist cake.

What is your best baking secret? ›

Combine ingredients as gently as possible without overmixing. Creamed butter and sugar should be pale and fluffy, never yellow and gritty. Butter temperature is a vital detail that should not be overlooked. Don't open the oven door until goods are done baking.

What is the most important ingredient in a cake? ›

Flour is perhaps the most important ingredient in a cake mix, as it creates the basic structure of the entire cake. A major component of flour is gluten, which is a protein that provides a way for the cake to bind to itself.

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