Go Back

Classic Chocolate Cake Recipe

A classic chocolate cake is a timeless, moist, and rich dessert loved across generations, perfect for any celebration or simple indulgence.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 1 ¾ cups 220g all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup 65g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk or buttermilk
  • ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240ml hot water or brewed coffee (to enhance chocolate flavor)
For the Frosting (Classic Chocolate Buttercream):
  • 1 cup 230g unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups 440g powdered sugar
  • ½ cup 45g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup 60ml heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Stir in the hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating butter until creamy.
  10. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on the first layer, then place the second cake on top.
  12. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a spatula or leave swirls for decoration.
  13. Slice and serve your classic chocolate cake.