This is the BEST chocolate cake! It gets made in one bowl and is everything you want a easy homemade chocolate cake to be: chocolaty, moist and decadent. Whipped vanilla buttercream is the cherry on top! This recipe is really easy for bakers with no experience and for kiddos. This cake is based on the original recipe from Hershey’s. They have created some top shelf chocolate cake recipes over the years!
Give me a simple, classic recipe any day of the week! This old fashioned moist chocolate cake is definitely that! Simple, and to the point – hard core chocolate cake for true chocolate lovers! I’m a big fan of the combination of vanilla buttercream on an easy chocolate cake but if you prefer a chocolate buttercream you can use this recipe.
Need more proof? Check out the comments!!!
“This cake is sooooo delicious! My husband suggested I go into the cake baking business after enjoying his slices! 😉” – Stacey
What Makes This The BEST Chocolate Cake Recipe?
For true greatness a chocolate cake has to be bursting with chocolate – a chocolate lover’s fantasy cake.
It also needs a dense, moist texture. It should not be so dense that it is a brownie – just good and thick and almost on the fudgy side.
Finally, I want a frosting that adds a little something to the cake instead of detracting from it.
My Secret to the Best Chocolate Cake…
This is my version of perfect classic chocolate cake. And I believe I have done it very well… My secret (don’t you love that I tell you all my secrets?) is just a hint of almond flavoring in the cake and the frosting. It is just enough to give an extra layer of flavor to the chocolate.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the plain flavor of chocolate, but adding a little something else can give it a lot of depth and quality.
The whipped vanilla buttercream on top is also simply divine. Hang unto this recipe for your favorite cookies and other treats. It is easy and amazing.
HOW TO BAKE A PERFECT CAKE
Have you ever tried baking a cake and gotten a big old hill? There are two things you can try:
- Buy a good quality cake pan! This helps with heat distribution for even baking.
- Try wrapping your cake pan! I have a tutorial on it here. When I wrap a cake it always rises fully level! This trick has gotten me through 10 years of baking – I love it!
Love Chocolate Cake? This Black Magic Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is another chocolate cake home run!
MORE CHOCOLATE CAKES TO LOVE
- Chocolate Cake with Ganache and Vanilla Mousse Filling
- Better Than Homemade Chocolate Cake Mix
- Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes
- Wacky Cake (Depression Cake – No Milk or Eggs)
The Best Chocolate Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk can sub 2%
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract see note for substitution options
- 1 cup boiling water
For The Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup salted butter room temperature
- 8 cups powdered sugar (this is a 32oz bag)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract see note for substitution options
- 7 Tablespoon whole milk can sub 2%
Instructions
- Tip: A great cake is baked in such a way that it rises flat and doesn't need to be leveled! The sides and bottom will be more tender and the entire cake is taller and more fluffy. See the full tutorial here.
To Bake The Cake
- Put oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Butter the sides of two 9-inch round baking pans and line with a circle of parchment paper. Flour or use cocoa powder to dust the sides of the pans, tap out excess.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, vanilla and almond extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- With the mixer on low, stir in boiling water ( note that the batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Use a knife or metal spatula to loosen the sides of the cake from the pan. Flip cakes unto to wire racks to finish cooling. At this time, gently peel the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake and discard.
To Make The Frosting
- Put all the frosting ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on low until combined, scraping sides and bottom as needed until the frosting comes together.
- Turn the mixer to high and beat for 3 minutes. Scrape the sides and beat an additional 2 minutes on high.
- Frost the cake and serve with coffee or vanilla ice cream.
- Cake Cutting Tip: Use a sharp knife to cut the cake. Try wiping it on a clean, damp cloth between cuts. A clean knife makes a more tidy and pretty slice of cake. Use a cake server to lift pieces of cake off your serving plate.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Almond extract is a great option in chocolate. It has an almost cherry flavor and brings out the chocolate flavor beautifully. However, not everybody is a fan and you certainly don't have to include it! The extract can be left out of both the cake and the frosting. You can either leave it out all together or you can replace it with vanilla if you want a stronger vanilla flavor in the cake or the frosting or both. Tips on Cake Frosting When the cake has cooled it takes me about 30 minutes to make the frosting and frost the cake. A more casual frosting job will take less time. To smooth the frosting on easily plan to frost the cake as soon as you make the frosting. Also try smearing just a little down all around the sides and top of the cake to make what is called a “glue layer.” Don’t worry about getting crumbs in it. Put your clean frosting over the glue layer for easy but polished look. Making Cupcakes:
This recipe will make 24 standard cupcakes with additional batter left over or you can bake more cupcakes. Depending on how full you fill your muffin cups you will have 24-36 cupcakes. In my USA Pan I fill them half full of batter.
Your Rating Matters
When you leave a comment or star rating, it means more than you might think. It helps me understand what you’re enjoying, builds trust for other readers, and supports real, tested cooking content. If you have a moment, I’d truly appreciate you sharing your experience. - Mirlandra
Nutrition Estimate
A Note on Nutrition
Nutritional info is an imperfect estimate. Please take it with a grain of salt.
This recipe was posted in February of 2017 and updated with new content in May of 2020.
Theresa says
Hi,
Did you use whole milk for the cake also?
Thanks.
Mirlandra says
I do because that is what I keep on hand for my little guy. I would suggest 2% or whole for the cake.
Theresa says
Thanks for your quick reply! 🙂 Glad I asked because we always have skim milk on hand so I will be sure to buy the whole milk for this recipe. Looks so delicious!
Mirlandra says
Glad to help! I updated the recipe – I’m sure you won’t be the only person wondering! It is a really amazing cake. One of my favorites of all time. I hope you love it! Stay tuned next week. I just finished taking photos of a scrumptious carrot cake that I will be sharing 🙂
Susan says
HI! Do you think this recipe would work for cupcakes too?
Mirlandra says
Sorry for the delay! I was in the hospital having our daughter and I’m just catching up now. Yes, this makes wonderful cupcakes! I’m actually making some for a cake walk next month 🙂
Stacey says
Has anyone tried making this without almond extract? I am not a fan…
Mirlandra says
Almond extract is a love it or hate it thing for many people! You can absolutist substitute vanilla instead and it will still be wonderful. I will update the recipe with a note. Happy baking!
Stacey Elwood says
This cake is sooooo delicious! My husband suggested I go into the cake baking business after enjoying his slices! 😉
Mirlandra says
Thank you! It is one of my go to favorites (I was actually thinking of making cupcakes out of it for a 4 year old’s birthday this weekend). You just can’t beat an amazing chocolate cake! Sounds like your husband is a wonderful guy – who knows – maybe there is cake business venture in your future! The world can always use more good cake!
Marnee says
Is this buttercream recipe good for piping too? I need to make my daughters birthday cake. Need to pipe the outside like a kitty. ?
Mirlandra says
Yes! It is perfect for that. I use this for all my cake decorating.
SP says
I am planning to make it this week. What would be the cook time if I make cupcakes? Is the almond extract overpowering? Can you taste the almond flavor or is it very subtle people don’t taste it.?
Thanksc
Mirlandra says
Oh enjoy – this will make wonderful cupcakes! It should take about 15 minutes for the cupcakes to bake. If you are not a big almond extract person I suggest reducing it to 1/4 or 1/2 tsp for the cupcakes. This will make sure it is very subtle. For the frosting you can start with 1/4 or 1/2 tsp. and then add a bit more if you like. Personal taste is so different but 1 tsp. is a stronger flavor! Happy baking!
Mary says
Can you make the cake using 9 x 13 glass baking dish?
Mirlandra says
Hi Mary – You absolutely can! I was just thinking of a dessert to take camping this weekend. Maybe I will bring this cake as a sheet cake. What a great idea. Happy Baking!
Natalia Kostiuk says
Can I make the the cake, frost it and leave it overnight in the fridge? Or does it have to be made that same day?
Mirlandra says
Hi Natalia – Absolutely! It will be delicious. Happy Baking!
Liz says
Hello, could I add an extra egg for more rich flavoring? And moistness?
Mirlandra says
This is already a very moist and flavorful recipe. I wouldn’t add an extra egg here. You can always try and see what happens. But I’ve not tried it so I can’t promise the outcome. Good luck!
Inbal says
Hi! can I double the amount and make this a four layer cake?
Mirlandra says
Yes you can! But in that case you will need four cake pans instead of two. Your other option is to bake one recipe and then split the two cake layers each in half which makes four cake layers. You can read more about baking a tall, flat cake layer and splitting cake layers the right way in this tutorial: https://www.mirlandraskitchen.com/how-to-bake-a-perfect-cake/
Tia says
Hi, does the frosting require 8 cups or 4 cups of powdered sugar? Both are listed in the instructions. A 32 ounce bag equals 4 cups, not 8. Thanks so much!
Mirlandra says
Hi Tia, This frosting needs 8 cups. A 32oz bag is 8 cups. I hope that helps clarify! I’m going to edit the recipe template so that it is more clear. Thanks for checking in with me! Enjoy that cake!!!
Luke says
Hello! I wanted to know if halving the icing recipe would still be enough to frost the cake. Im thinking about doing a thinner layer and then decorating.
Mirlandra says
Yep! Absolutely. Enjoy that cake!
Carrie says
Can I use cake flour instead of all purpose flour?
Mirlandra says
Hi Carrie, Great question! The rule of thumb here is to use 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons of cake flour for every cup of all-purpose flour. I think it will work fine here but if you have all purpose flour I would use that instead since I’ve tested it and know it will turn out well. This recipe works really well with AP flour. Hope that helps! Let me know what you decide to do and how it works!
Susan says
Sad to say this cake was a disaster. Flat in the middle, spilled out of my pans and after all that it was dry! No idea what I did wrong- my only change was using cake flour instead of AP because that’s what I had.
Mirlandra says
Hi Susan – I’m so sorry to hear about your cake! I know how disappointing it is to see a baking project fail. Unfortunately you cannot sub cake flour for all purpose flour as a one to one substitution. It will cause the recipe to fail. If you are interested in learning more about substituting cake flour I would suggest doing a google search. I hope your next baking project is much more fun and delicious! Here is to better things coming up! – Mirlandra
Erin says
Can I make the cake then frost it the next day? And if so should I store it in the refrigerator? Thank you!
Mirlandra says
Absolutely! Storing it in the fridge would be nice just because a cold cake is usually easier to frost but it won’t go bad at room temperature. I suggest making the frosting right before using it as that is the easiest time to spread. ENJOY the cake!
julia bakes says
cake was kinda tasteless. didnt really taste that chocolate-y and i used the same brand and amount of cocoa powder. i recommend adding MUCH MORE cocoa powder and maybe sugar or vanilla extract too
Mirlandra says
Hi Julia – Thank you for the feedback. I’m really sorry you didn’t like the cake! I know preferences can be different and not every recipe is for every person. That being said I would encourage you to find a different recipe you like better – not modify this one! Sugar is a liquid ingredient in baking and adding additional sugar and a lot more cocoa powder could give you a very poor result. I love to modify recipes but in baking you have to choose your changes wisely. Good luck finding something you love!
Meredith says
Is the cocoa in this recipe unsweetened cocoa powder?
Mirlandra says
Hi Meredith – great question! Yes, it is. Sorry for the confusion. I will clarify in the recipe. Enjoy the cake!
Jenn says
How do you think this would taste to add strong coffee instead of water?
Mirlandra says
That should be wonderful! Coffee is a great flavor enhancer for chocolate. You don’t usually get a strong coffee flavor so much as a nice background flavor that adds a lot to the cake. Enjoy!
Jasia Smith says
Wish I could give 6 stars!!! I’m a busy college student here and this quick, easy recipe is AMAZING– it’ll barely last a day in my house! I recently made a different chocolate cake recipe from another website but it was far too dense and bitter for my liking. This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for that sweet, moist, fluffy kind of cake, and it’s nice and rich yet not overwhelming. I would say what surprised me the most is the almond extract in the cake and icing; it gives a delightful kick and depth to the overall chocolate flavor. My family and I are raving!!! Love this so much!
Mirlandra says
Hi Jasia, Thank you for your kind words! What a great recommendation! I really enjoy trying almond extract in chocolate desserts. It is a huge flavor enhancer! It is also the magic ingredient in my roll out sugar cookies! Enjoy your cake baking!!! (I made a lot of friends in college with cake – lots of great memories baking my way through the terms!)
Karla says
Can this cake the frozen? And I guess frozen with the frosting more specifically?
Mirlandra says
Hi Karla, Great question! I know lots of bakers that do freeze frosted cakes and have wonderful results thawing them out. I have not frozen this recipe so I can’t give you specifics. If you do try it I would do the thawing in the fridge. Good luck!
Linda says
I made this for my sister’s birthday it was a big hit!
I would like to know if you can make this recipe into a six inch cake as this would be the perfect size for me and my husband
Mirlandra says
You certainly can but it won’t use all the batter. Six inch cake pans should be filled half way for baking. Extra batter could be made into cupcakes if you like!
Sarah says
Hello! This recipe is delicious! Would this cake be ok to make a tiered cake? I want to do two layers…
Mirlandra says
This recipe is for a two layer cake.
Judy Crocker says
Help! Buried with over 2 feet of snow on my husband’s birthday. I only have skim milk in the house and all the other ingredients. I found something online that says when baking at 2 tablespoons of melted butter per 1 cup of skim to make up for whole. Do you think this will work???
Mirlandra says
Hi Judy,
I’m so sorry I missed your comment. I had a baby in January and am just now getting caught up with the website! I’ve seen the substitution reference you are talking about but I have never tried it… I think it is absolutely worth trying but things like this I don’t feel I can give a absolute answer without having tried it myself. If you did try it please do let me know! I’m always excited to hear what is working for readers! And a happy (very belated) birthday to your husband! Hopefully your snow is long gone and spring is just around the corner for you now.
Jessica says
Hey 🙂
I have a friend who’s birthday is coming up and they wanted me to make them a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. This recipe sounds amazing but I was wondering if I could add crushed Oreos to the icing? They love Oreos and I would like to personalize it a little bit for them!
Thanks
Mirlandra says
Well that is fun! I have never done anything like that!!! I think if you added the cookie bits in it would be hard to spread the frosting. But if you crushed the cookies up and pressed them into the freshly frosted cake all over it would make such a fun crunchy layer on the outside! Please do let me know what you do – It think it sounds wonderful!
Lora says
Will this work with three layers – 6 inch pans? What’s the cooking time for that option? Thanks!!
Mirlandra says
I’m sorry, I don’t have six inch pans so I’ve not done it that way. If you don’t fill the pans more than half full you should be ok, but I don’t know the timing or if you will have batter left over! Let me know how it goes if you try it!
Az says
Did you end up trying in a 6 inch pan? Any guidance before I try it myself would be appreciated!
Mirlandra says
I haven’t baked it in a 6″. You would need to bake it for less time and you will probably have enough batter for 3 of the 6″ pans? Remember you will need to watch the cake closely because it will need less baking time.
Lan says
Absolutely amazing recipe! I first made it as a cake for Father’s Day and it was such a hit I’ve made it for every other event or holiday since 😅 such an interesting recipe with the added boiling water for such a liquidy batter – really let’s it rise and become super fluffy! Thanks for the recipe. It’ll be in my recipe repertoire for forever.
Mirlandra says
Woohoo! I’m so excited that you enjoy this one so much. The batter does seem CRAZY at first but it bakes up wonderfully! I made my Black Magic Chocolate cake for my son’s birthday recently and realized I haven’t baked him this one in awhile. Maybe I should do it for Valentine’s next week! Here’s wishing you many wonderful memories with this recipe and your family!
Rachel says
Absolutely delicious. So easy. Thank You so Very Much for such an amazing recipe.
Mirlandra says
Thank you so much! I’m so glad it was something you enjoyed so much 🙂
Melissa says
Any suggestions for a replacement for vegetable oil? Trying not to use it. Maybe olive or coconut?
Mirlandra says
Hi Melissa, I can’t give a solid recommendation here since I have not done either. My understanding of baking is that olive oil is a good substitute for vegetable oil. In some recipes you would pick up on the flavor but I think in chocolate cake you should be fine! Please let me know if you try it how it goes! I always love to know!!! Good luck.
Rafika says
This recipe looks great. I’d like to make it for my sons using one 8x3inch round cake pan.
How many layers would you recommend for 20-25kids?im also hopping parents can have some
Can I cut down on sugar a bit?
Mirlandra says
Hi Rafika, I want to strongly urge you to not change the sugar in a baking recipe. This will cause the recipe to fail. Sugar is a liquid ingredient in baking and can’t be adjusted without impacting the cake. It seems like you would be best served by finding another recipe if you are looking for a lower sugar recipe. It is also too much batter for one 8″ round. You will need a different plan or additional cake pans. Good luck!
Rafika says
Hi Mirlanda,
Thanks for your reply.
I ended up trying it before the birthday and love the recipe as is.
Kids will just have less icing 🙂
My icing felt “grainy”, like we were feeling the sugar. I did try to mix it for longer but the texture didn’t change. Any tips?
I have to make the cake 2 days ahead and was thinking about putting the “glue layer” and wrapping it and leaving in the fridge. And then putting the buttercream & decorating just before we take the cake to the venue. Do you think that’s the best option (in the case where I have to make it ahead) or do you have any tips?
Thank you
Mirlandra says
Hi Rafika,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the cake! It is a favorite of mine for sure. I’ve had the grainy frosting issue once before with a Kroger brand powdered sugar. When powdered sugar is made it is literally by taking regular sugar and crushing it into a powder. My theory about Kroger is that they don’t crush the sugar quite small enough for a good buttercream. Thus you get a gritty texture. I have also bought the store brand from Albertsons and Winco and not had that issue. However, if I’m having any grainy texture issues I usually just choose to pay more for C & H Powdered Sugar. I have never had a texture issue with it and it is available nationally. Hopefully this will resolve all of your issues!
In terms of making the cake ahead of time if that is your best option I would go ahead and frost it entirely ahead of time. The frosting will become too solid to frost with if you leave it in the fridge for a few days. Then you would have to bring it to room temp, beat it again probably and then frost the cake. My ideal option would be to have you bake and frost just one day before serving but two days isn’t the worst option in the world. I think as long as you store the cake in the refrigerator well wrapped that it should taste great. Happy baking and enjoy the birthday!
Rafika says
oh thank you so much.
I’m in Australia so will need to look into options for the sugar. Good to know that it wasn’t an issue on my side haha
One last question: regarding storing the cake wrapped, how would you advise I wrap it without leaving marks (like cling wrap marks)?
Thank you Mirlandra
Mirlandra says
Oh gotcha! Yep, C and H is a mostly US option. I did a quick read up about Australian options and some people report issues with CSR sugar. If that is what you used I would try using Bundaberg Icing Sugar instead if you can find it. It does sound like you have several kinds of “icing sugar” in Australia and that is has been a bit of a confusing option for bakers. I found this thread of people discussing Australian sugar options to be helpful: https://www.cakecentral.com/forum/t/670781/icing-sugar-brands-in-aus-about-differences I am aware that Australia is a BIG area and depending on where you live in the country weather is going to be different which impacts more complex cake decorating but just doing a basic frosting you should be fine.
I would also say that one of my all time favorite food bloggers lives in Australia! If you enjoy online recipe sources she has some excellent ones and she often writes about ingredient differences in terms of brands and types available in Australia vs US so she might be a helpful resource for you! https://www.recipetineats.com I hope that helps!
In terms of wrapping this is most important if you have strong flavors like garlic in your fridge! I’m married to a half Korean so my fridge is full of garlic, ginger, green onion, kimchee etc. It gets quite pungent! I have two fridges and I usually try to keep pungent stuff in one and put cakes and butter in the other! Garlic butter is only fun if you MEAN it to be garlic butter. So the purpose of wrapping a cake is two part: Part one is keeping it from drying out and part two is keeping flavors from getting in.
If you can get ahold of little cocktail umbrellas they work really well for this! You can open 2-3 little umbrellas and stick into the top of your cake. Then use plastic wrap to go over the umbrellas and under the cake plate and you can make yourself a very nice tent! If you bought a cardboard cake box You can simply box your cake and try to use foil or plastic wrap around the box to seal in moisture and limit flavor transfer.
If you don’t have cocktail umbrellas straws or toothpicks can work ok. Even bamboo skewers for BBQ. I just take a dab of frosting after I remove these items and patch the little holes. If you wet a paring knife and smooth the dab on the cake it will get a nice finish and nobody will be able to tell what you have been up to!
Rafika says
thank you so much for all of this info and doing the research. yes I was using CSR sugar. Heading to the store today to look for Bundaberg icing sugar and a few other things you mentioned.
I love recipetineats.com
The birthday is this weekend, I feel prepared with all the info you provided. Thank you Mirlandra.
Mirlandra says
Oh I’m so glad I was able to help!!!!
Debbie says
Hi,
Is the butter used in the frosting recipe actually salted butter and then more salt is added as well?
Just wondering because unsalted butter is often called for in baking recipes.
Thank you.
Mirlandra says
Hi Debbie,
You are absolutely correct that in general baking recipes didn’t used to call for salted butter. I have found in the last ten years or so with the rise of so many recipe websites some standards are changing or are just not known. I’ve started to specify in each recipe to help every reader have clarity. If you don’t have salted butter you can use 1/4 teaspoon of salt for each 1/2 cup of butter. I’ve learned to go back and forth depending on what I have for butter etc. I hope this helps! Mirlandra
Rachel says
This is the most requested cake in my house. So delicious.
Mirlandra Neuneker says
This is THE cake I think of when I think of chocolate cake. It’s my favorite too!