Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the richness of this decadent chocolate layer cake, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Moist, fluffy, and full of deep, dark chocolate flavor, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°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, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and coffee.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For the chocolate buttercream, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and creamy.
  8. Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of buttercream on top of each cake layer, then stacking them.

Notes

For a moist and tender crumb, make sure to not overmix the batter. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can use more coffee or add a shot of espresso to the batter. To store, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Method: Layer Cake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: chocolate layer cake, moist chocolate cake, decadent dessert

Find it online: https://crystalrecipes.com/chocolate-layer-cake/