The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe

Recipes

The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients for the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (or brewed coffee for added flavor)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (as needed)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly grease three 9-inch round cake pans and either dust them with flour or cocoa powder, or line with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the dry ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Use a hand mixer on low speed to mix everything together.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients:
    Add the eggs, buttermilk, warm water (or brewed coffee), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed until the batter is smooth. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to make sure everything is well incorporated.
  4. Divide and bake:
    Evenly divide the batter between the three prepared cake pans, about 3 cups of batter per pan. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool the cakes:
    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

  1. Cream the butter and cream cheese:
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the cocoa and vanilla:
    Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
  3. Incorporate the powdered sugar:
    Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. The frosting should be thick, and it will thicken more once refrigerated.
  4. Assemble the cake:
    Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost and assemble them using the chocolate cream cheese buttercream. You can also transfer the frosting to a piping bag for decorating.

Storing:

  • Once frosted, refrigerate the cake to maintain freshness, but it can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours.

Enjoy your decadent chocolate cake!