good chocolate cake recipe

The Best good chocolate cake recipe

I’ve been making this good chocolate cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s moist, rich, and has just the right amount of sweetness.

I love that it’s made with real ingredients, like unsalted butter and high-quality cocoa powder. My kids can’t get enough of the chocolatey flavor, and it’s perfect for special occasions or just a Tuesday.

The best part is that it’s actually pretty healthy for a dessert – I mean, it’s still a cake, but it’s not loaded with sugar or unhealthy fats. We’ve made it for birthday parties, holidays, and even just as a random Tuesday treat.

My husband requests it all the time, and my kids ask for it by name. I love that it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so even on busy weeknights we can still have a delicious homemade dessert.

Plus, it freezes really well, so we can stash some away for later use. The original recipe came from my grandmother, who got it from her sister.

I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it my own, but the core ingredients remain the same. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress – whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just enjoying a slice with your family.

Classic Chocolate Cake

4.6 from 583 votes

A rich and moist chocolate cake perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious, indulgent dessert.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp espresso powder
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
4Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
5Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
6Stir in the boiling water last.
7The batter will be thin.
8Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
9Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10The top should be springy to the touch.
11Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
12For the frosting, beat butter in a large bowl until creamy.
13Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating well.
14Add milk and vanilla extract, beat on high for 3 minutes.
15If needed, add more milk or powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.
16Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
17Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Whisk
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 68g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 50g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use brewed coffee instead of water. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

This good chocolate cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just need a pick-me-up after dinner.

It freezes beautifully so we can stash some away for later use or even give some away as gifts (if you can bear parting with it).

We love that it makes our home smell amazing while it bakes – there’s nothing like walking into your kitchen and smelling freshly baked chocolate wafting through the air.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cake

What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder. This type of cocoa powder has been treated to remove some of the bitter acids found in regular cocoa powder, leaving behind a rich, mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and other ingredients.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute milk for buttermilk in this recipe, keep in mind that the result will be slightly different in terms of texture and flavor. Buttermilk contains acidic properties that help react with the baking soda and create a light, fluffy texture – milk won’t have the same effect.

How do I store leftover cake?

If you don’t plan on devouring the entire cake within 24 hours (and let’s be real, who doesn’t love leftover cake?), you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a full-sized cake?

Absolutely! To make cupcakes using this recipe, simply divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 12-15) and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Do I need to refrigerate or freeze this cake before serving?

No refrigeration is necessary – simply let the cake sit at room temperature for about an hour before slicing and serving.

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