This Chocolate Layered Cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey with soft cake layers and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave an indulgent homemade dessert, this classic cake is guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
Equipment
- 2 round 8-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4–5 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Ingredient Notes
- Cocoa Powder: Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa for rich flavor.
- Hot Coffee: Enhances the chocolate taste without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Butter: Softened butter creates smooth frosting.
- Milk or Cream: Adjust for desired frosting consistency.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Hot Coffee
Slowly stir in hot coffee or water. The batter will be thin.
Step 5: Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add vanilla and milk until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
Step 9: Decorate and Serve
Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or berries if desired. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
- Calories: 540
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 50g
Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Chill the cake slightly before frosting for cleaner layers.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Variations
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Pour warm chocolate ganache over the frosted cake.
Mocha Chocolate Cake
Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the batter.
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Add raspberry jam between the layers.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
Spread peanut butter frosting between cake layers.
Triple Chocolate Cake
Add chocolate chips to the batter and top with chocolate curls.