The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ultimate chocolate cake recipe is as easy to make as it is indulgent. It’s ultra-moist, thanks to buttermilk and hot water, and boasts a rich cocoa flavor that satisfies every chocolate craving. It’s incredibly versatile—frost it with ganache, buttercream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for celebrations or just because, it’s a cake that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

4. Slowly stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin, but that’s what makes the cake so moist.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting, slice, and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Calories per serving: 350 kcal

Variations

• Espresso Chocolate Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar in place of buttermilk and a dairy-free chocolate frosting.

• Chocolate Orange Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and a splash of orange extract for a citrusy twist.

• Nutty Chocolate Cake: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped until ready to frost and serve.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is recommended, but you can use Dutch-process for a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes, the batter works well for cupcakes. Fill liners ⅔ full and bake for about 18–20 minutes.

Is the hot water really necessary?

Yes, hot water helps to “bloom” the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a moist texture.

Can I use sour cream instead of buttermilk?

Yes, sour cream can be substituted for buttermilk, though the texture will be slightly denser.

What kind of frosting goes best with this cake?

A rich chocolate buttercream or ganache pairs perfectly, but cream cheese frosting also works for a sweet-tangy contrast.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Grease the pans thoroughly and dust them with flour or use parchment paper rounds for easy release.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and moisture of the cake.

Why is my cake crumbly?

Overbaking or using too much flour can make the cake dry or crumbly. Make sure to measure accurately and check your bake time.

How do I get flat cake layers?

Use cake strips around your pans or trim the tops with a serrated knife once cooled for even layers.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Chocolate Cake is a tried-and-true recipe that delivers luscious, moist layers and rich cocoa flavor every time. With a simple ingredient list and flexible preparation, this cake is perfect for beginners and pros alike. Whether served plain or dressed up with frosting, it’s bound to become your go-to chocolate dessert.