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Chocolate Cake Recipe
This rich and moist chocolate cake is perfect for any celebration. Easy to make, it's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
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This homemade chocolate cake recipe is the ultimate treat for any occasion. It’s rich, moist, and topped with a smooth, creamy frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready for a decadent dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
This recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step photos and directions to guide you. We also include pro tips and tricks for the best results. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you master this delicious cake!
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It's easy to make this chocolate cake recipe from scratch and takes just under an hour to make, from start to finish. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or special occasions, and its rich, moist texture will impress everyone.
The decadent chocolate frosting makes it even more irresistible and ensures this cake stands out from the crowd. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or craving dessert, this cake is a must-try at home!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this recipe for Chocolate Cake:
For The Cake:
- 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons of baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of canola oil
- 1 cup of boiling water or hot coffee
For The Frosting:
- ¾ cup of salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar
- ¾ cup of heavy cream
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your chocolate cake recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These easy changes can make your cake uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to give your cake an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Substitute Butter: Use coconut oil or margarine for a slightly different texture and flavor in your chocolate cake.
Substitute Milk: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version of this decadent dessert.
These substitutions and additions can simply be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this easy chocolate cake recipe.
How to Make Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started on this delicious chocolate cake recipe. You’ll love how easy and fun it is to make!
Pro Tip
This exceptional chocolate cake is an original Hershey’s cake recipe. It is similar to Black Magic Cake. Milk is used instead of traditional buttermilk in the Black Magic Cake, making a bit lighter, fluffier cake.
FIRST STEP: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in the large bowl of a stand mixer.
SECOND STEP: Add the milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
THIRD STEP: Beat together with a hand mixer on medium speed or whisk. Gradually add in the cup of water or hot coffee while mixing to help break apart the batter.
Pro Tip
The boiling water is a traditional technique used to help break apart the dry ingredients in the cake batter.
FOURTH STEP: Pour the batter into a 9×13 baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
FIFTH STEP: Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few crumbs.
SIXTH STEP: Cool cake completely. Prepare the frosting while the cake is cooling.
SEVENTH STEP: In the medium bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, slowly begin to beat together the softened butter, vanilla and cocoa powder.
EIGHTH STEP: Rotate between adding the powdered sugar and heavy cream until both are fully incorporated, and the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Pro Tip
The frosting is a bit thicker and richer than the traditional Hershey’s chocolate frosting recipe. It’s a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting.
NINTH STEP: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake with a rubber spatula or an offset spatula. Cut with a serrated knife and serve.
How To Serve this Best Ever Chocolate Cake
This chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion and can be served in many fun ways. Whether it’s for a party or a simple family dessert, this cake will always be a hit!
- Birthday Celebrations: This cake is a must-have for birthdays! Its rich, moist texture and creamy frosting make it a party favorite for both kids and adults. Pair it with ice cream for an extra treat.
- Holidays and Special Occasions: Serve this chocolate cake during the holidays or for special gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration. Add some hot cocoa for a cozy pairing.
- Casual Family Desserts: Make this cake for a simple weeknight dessert. Kids love the rich chocolate flavor, and it’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.
Why You'll Love This Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
Our chocolate cake is a beloved favorite for many sweet reasons. From its rich flavor to its perfect texture, readers can’t get enough of this treat!
- A Decadent Delight: This recipe creates a moist, rich chocolate cake with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers a smooth and velvety experience that keeps readers coming back for more.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether for birthdays, family gatherings, or just because, this cake fits every occasion. Its timeless flavor makes it a go-to for any celebration.
- Simple and Fun to Make: Readers love that this recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step photos and helpful tips. You can enjoy making it just as much as eating it!
This chocolate cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!
Recipe FAQ
How do I keep my chocolate cake moist?
Ensure you don’t over bake the cake and measure ingredients carefully. Using oil or butter helps lock in moisture.
Can I make this chocolate cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just keep it covered to maintain freshness until serving.
What type of frosting works best for this chocolate cake?
A rich, creamy chocolate frosting complements this cake perfectly, but you can also try a buttercream for a different texture.
How long should I let the cake cool before frosting it?
Let the cake cool completely for about thirty minutes to an hour to avoid melting the frosting.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve this chocolate cake?
Serve the cake at room temperature to enjoy its moist texture and rich chocolate flavor at its best.
Should I slice the cake right before serving?
Yes, slice the cake just before serving to keep each slice fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Can I serve this cake warm?
You can serve it slightly warm for a melty, gooey experience, but let it cool a bit before frosting.
How thick should the frosting layer be for serving?
A thick layer of frosting—about a quarter inch—adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess to each bite.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions below for tips and tricks on storing this chocolate cake. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got everything covered to keep your cake fresh and delicious!
Can I make chocolate cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store at room temperature.
What’s the best way to store leftover chocolate cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist.
Can I freeze chocolate cake for later?
Yes, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen chocolate cake?
Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight. Reheat slices in the microwave for fifteen to twenty seconds for a soft, warm texture.
Chocolate Cake Recipe
This rich and moist chocolate cake is perfect for any celebration. Easy to make, it's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee)
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup canola oil
For the Frosting
- ¾ cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add the milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Beat together with a hand mixer or whisk. Gradually add in the boiling water while mixing to help break apart the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cakes comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Cool cake completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the frosting.
- In the bowl of a standing mixer or with a hand mixer, slowly begin to beat together the softened butter, vanilla, and cocoa powder.
- Rotate between adding the powdered sugar and heavy cream until both are fully incorporated, and the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
- Cut and serve.
Notes
- This exceptional chocolate cake is an original Hershey’s cake recipe. It is similar to the Black Magic Cake. Milk is used instead of traditional buttermilk in the Black Magic Cake, making a bit lighter, fluffier cake.
- The boiling water is a traditional technique used to help break apart the dry ingredients in the cake batter.
- The frosting is a bit thicker and richer than the traditional Hershey’s chocolate frosting recipe. It’s a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting.
Nutrition
Calories: 595kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 2mg
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