Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe – Easy & Irresistible!

Table of Contents: Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake

Indulge in the richness of a classic chocolate cake, elevated to new heights with layers of moist, fluffy goodness and a luxurious chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite.

Introduction: CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Who can resist the allure of a rich, velvety chocolate cake? This decadent dessert is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or easy weeknight meals. Our classic chocolate layer cake recipe is a masterclass in texture and flavor, with a tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and a sumptuous chocolate buttercream frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.

A good chocolate layer cake is all about balance – the right ratio of sugar to cocoa, the perfect amount of moisture, and a delicate crumb that’s both tender and resilient. Our recipe achieves this balance with ease, using high-quality ingredients like unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and buttermilk to create a cake that’s both rich and refined.

Alternate Names & Variations

You may also know this recipe as a:

* Classic chocolate cake
* Rich chocolate frosting cake
* Multi-layered chocolate dessert
* Chocolate buttercream layer cake
* Moist chocolate cake recipe

Ingredients: CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

For the cake:

• * 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• * 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
• * 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• * 2 teaspoons baking soda
• * 1 teaspoon baking powder
• * 1 teaspoon salt
• * 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
• * 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil or melted coconut oil)
• * 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• * 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• * 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• * 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed strong hot coffee (regular or decaf)

For the chocolate buttercream:

• * 1 and 1/4 cups (282g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• * 3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar
• * 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or dutch process)
• * 3– 5 Tablespoons (45-75ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk), at room temperature
• * 1/4 teaspoon salt
• * 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• * Optional for decoration: semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
• 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
• 5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
• 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• 7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• 8. To make the chocolate buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• 9. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy.
• 10. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the desired consistency is reached.
• 11. Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of chocolate buttercream on top of each cake layer, stacking them on top of each other.
• 12. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining chocolate buttercream.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Approximate Calories: 420-520 per serving

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because of the perfect balance of ingredients and the careful attention to detail in the instructions. To ensure a moist and fluffy cake, make sure to not overmix the batter and to use high-quality ingredients like buttermilk and unsweetened cocoa powder.

For a smooth and creamy chocolate buttercream, use room temperature ingredients and don’t overbeat the mixture.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

To store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

People Also Ask: CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

How do you make a good chocolate layer cake?

To make a good chocolate layer cake, start by using high-quality ingredients like unsweetened cocoa powder and buttermilk. Make sure to not overmix the batter and to use room temperature ingredients for a smooth and creamy chocolate buttercream. Follow the recipe instructions carefully and don’t skip any steps to ensure a moist and fluffy cake.

What makes a chocolate cake moist and fluffy?

A moist and fluffy chocolate cake is achieved by using the right ratio of sugar to cocoa, the perfect amount of moisture, and a delicate crumb that’s both tender and resilient. Using high-quality ingredients like buttermilk and unsweetened cocoa powder, not overmixing the batter, and using room temperature ingredients can also help to achieve a moist and fluffy cake.

What is the best chocolate cake frosting?

The best chocolate cake frosting is a matter of personal preference, but a classic chocolate buttercream made with unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder is a timeless choice. This frosting is smooth, creamy, and rich, and pairs perfectly with the moist and fluffy cake.

How do you keep chocolate cake moist?

To keep chocolate cake moist, make sure to not overbake it and to use high-quality ingredients like buttermilk and unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the flavor and moisture of the cake. Storing the cake in an airtight container and refrigerating it can also help to keep it moist.

Conclusion: CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

This decadent chocolate layer cake recipe is a must-try for any chocolate lover. With its moist and fluffy cake layers, rich chocolate buttercream frosting, and elegant presentation, it’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Try it today and share your results with us!

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