Description

An incredibly moist, rich, and reliable chocolate cake that is perfect for parties. This recipe uses simple ingredients like buttermilk and boiling water to create a tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor without being dry or crumbly.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 large eggs (room temperature)
0.5 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp vanilla extract
For Frosting: Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter, milk, vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for two minutes until glossy and smooth.
Carefully stir in boiling water by hand with a spatula until combined. Batter will be thin.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For frosting, cream butter until fluffy. Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with milk, beating on high speed for three minutes until smooth.
Assemble cake by placing one layer on a plate, spreading frosting, adding second layer, and frosting top and sides.

Notes

Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid a dry cake. Room temperature ingredients blend better. Do not overmix the batter after adding flour. The boiling water blooms the cocoa for deeper flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 45
Sodium: 350
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 65
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, party dessert, homemade cake, baking, cocoa powder, buttermilk cake