Description
This Best Chocolate Cake Recipe delivers a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey cake perfect for any celebration. With a decadent cream cheese cocoa frosting, this cake combines the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa bitterness, enhanced by the subtle richness of coffee and buttermilk. It’s designed to yield 18 generous servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups black coffee
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 7 cups powdered sugar
- 4-6 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, black coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Cocoa Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and continue beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Add milk tablespoon by tablespoon as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Add the next layer and repeat the frosting process. Continue with remaining layers if applicable. Finish by frosting the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use strong black coffee or espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- The frosting can be adjusted with more or less milk to reach desired consistency.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
