Introduction
This Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, making it the ultimate dessert for celebrations or special moments. With soft chocolate cake layers and a smooth, luscious frosting, this cake delivers bakery-quality results at home. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot water or hot coffee
For the Chocolate Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Slowly stir in hot water or coffee until batter is thin and well combined.
2. Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Add cream and vanilla; beat until smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread frosting evenly on top.
Place second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
Description
This Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake is incredibly moist with a tender crumb and intense chocolate flavor. The frosting is rich, silky, and perfectly sweet, complementing the cake without overpowering it. Each slice is indulgent, satisfying, and melts in your mouth.
Tips
Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
Hot coffee enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
Do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
Chill cake layers briefly before frosting for easier assembly.
Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
Variations
Chocolate Ganache Frosting: Replace frosting with chocolate ganache.
Triple Chocolate Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter.
Mocha Cake: Use coffee-flavored frosting.
Chocolate Raspberry: Add raspberry jam between layers.
Cupcake Version: Bake in cupcake tins for 18–20 minutes.
Correction
If cake is dry:
Reduce baking time or add 2 tablespoons extra oil next time.
If cake sinks in the center:
Oven may be too hot or batter overmixed.
If frosting is too thick:
Add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Enjoy
Enjoy this Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake as a show-stopping dessert with a glass of milk or coffee. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for sharing on any special occasion.