Description
This pretty chocolate cake is a showstopper! It’s rich, moist, and perfect for any celebration. The decoration is simple but elegant, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a generous layer of frosting.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting.
- You can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g