Ingredients
- For the chocolate cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or freshly brewed coffee
- For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (more as needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for decoration:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry, then slowly stir in hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat butter until creamy. Sift in cocoa powder and powdered sugar, adding cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
- Once cakes are cool, layer and frost generously. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Add espresso powder to batter for a mocha twist.
- Mix in chocolate chips for melty bites of texture.
- Try peanut butter or raspberry jam for delicious variation.
- Adjust baking time for different pan sizes.
- Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
