It took me years to find a chocolate cake that was this reliable and just eight ingredients in, I knew I had a winner: simple chocolate cake recipe. It’s a deep, rich, melt in your mouth dessert that comes together quickly and never disappoints. Whether I’m baking for birthdays, Sunday dinner, or pure chocolate craving relief, this one is the go to.
Why I Always Choose This Chocolate Cake
This cake delivers every single time. The texture is soft but holds together well for slicing. The cocoa and chopped chocolate give it deep flavor, and the frosting? Like a truffle on top. If you’ve struggled with dry or dense chocolate cakes before, trust me this one will change your mind.
- No mixer required: One bowl, one whisk, perfect results
- Deep flavor: Cocoa + real chocolate for richness
- Versatile: Works as layer cake, cupcakes, or sheet cake
- Beginner proof: Easy steps, forgiving batter
Ingredients for the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (245 g)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup warm water or coffee (240 ml)
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable, corn, or canola – 120 ml)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- 6 oz chopped semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate (180 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp (226 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (230 g)
Step by Step: How I Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake
1: Prep the Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease and flour two 9 inch round pans. Line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
2: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, warm water (or coffee), milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and pourable.
3: Bake the Layers
- Divide batter evenly into prepared 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 transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4: Make the Frosting
- Melt chocolate in microwave or double boiler and let it cool slightly.
- Beat butter until smooth, then slowly add powdered sugar.
- Add melted chocolate and beat until light and creamy.
5: Assemble and Decorate
- Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Top with second cake layer and frost the top and sides generously.
- Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate curls, or nothing at all it’s that good plain.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
