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The Most Amazing Chocolate Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

This rich and moist chocolate cake recipe features three layers of deeply chocolatey cake paired with a creamy, luscious cream cheese buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion, this cake delivers intense cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, made easy with simple pantry ingredients and classic baking techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (or brewed coffee)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 7 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Lightly grease three 9-inch cake pans or dust them with flour or cocoa powder, or line with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to blend together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, warm water (or coffee), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Beat on low speed until the batter is smooth and uniform, scraping the bowl with a spatula to incorporate all ingredients properly.
  4. Divide Batter: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans, approximately 3 cups per pan. Gently tap the pans on the countertop to release any air bubbles.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean when done.
  6. Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 15 minutes. Then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese using a hand or stand mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  8. Add Cocoa and Vanilla: Beat in cocoa powder and vanilla extract just until combined, about 30 seconds.
  9. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add milk as necessary to achieve a spreadable, thick consistency. The frosting will thicken further once refrigerated.
  10. Assemble and Frost: Use the frosting to layer and cover the cooled cakes. Optionally, use a piping bag to decorate. Once frosted, refrigerate the cake for best results, though it can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Warm water can be substituted with brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • If parchment paper is available, lining pans helps with easy cake removal.
  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
  • Frosting is best applied to cakes fully cooled to prevent melting.
  • The cake tastes best when chilled but is also delicious at room temperature.
  • This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Keywords: chocolate cake, layered cake, cream cheese frosting, rich chocolate cake, celebration cake, moist chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/the-most-amazing-chocolate-cake-recipe/