Chocolate Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

This rich and moist chocolate cake layered with smooth cream cheese frosting is perfect for any celebration or a special treat. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this cake will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa (75g)
• 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda (9g)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 1 cup warm water (240g)
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
• 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil (110g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (339g)
• 1 cup (8 oz.) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (226g)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12ml)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 7 cups powdered sugar (904g or a 2 lb. bag)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. Step 3: Add buttermilk, warm water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix by hand until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure equal amounts. Bake for 23-25 minutes.
5. Step 5: Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run an offset spatula around the edges, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
6. Step 6: (Optional) Level cakes with a serrated knife once fully cooled. To store, wrap and freeze layers at this point if desired.
7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth.
8. Step 8: Add vanilla extract and salt, then beat on low until combined.
9. Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then mix on the lowest setting for 1 minute to achieve a smooth texture.
10. Step 10: Adjust consistency if needed by adding heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time if too thick, or more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time if too thin.
11. Step 11: Cover frosting with plastic wrap to prevent crusting until ready to use.
12. Step 12: Chill cake layers in the freezer for 20 minutes before assembling to reduce crumbling.
13. Step 13: Place the first cake layer on a cake board or plate, securing it with a dab of frosting.
14. Step 14: Spread a thick, even layer of frosting on top, then repeat with the second layer. Place the final layer upside down on top.
15. Step 15: Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake and smooth it out. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes or freezer for 5 until firm.
16. Step 16: Add a thicker layer of frosting and use an offset spatula or spoon to create texture if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide batter equally between pans.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce powdered sugar slightly or add a splash of milk instead of cream.
• Freeze the cake layers before assembling to make frosting easier and reduce crumbs.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

Storage

Store the assembled cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Leftover cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I know when the cake layers are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cakes are done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.

Chocolate Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

This rich and moist Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfectly balanced dessert that combines a deeply chocolatey cake with a tangy, creamy frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any special occasion, this recipe yields tender, flat cake layers that stack beautifully and frost easily for an elegant finish.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa (75g)
• 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda (9g)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 1 cup warm water (240g)
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
• 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil (110g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (339g)
• 1 cup (8 oz.) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (226g)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (12ml)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 7 cups powdered sugar (904g or a 2 lb. bag)
• Optional: heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time for consistency adjustment

Instructions

1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt until well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix by hand until fully incorporated; the batter will be thin—this is expected for a moist cake.
4. Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans (using a kitchen scale is recommended for equal layers). Bake for 23-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then loosen edges with an offset spatula and invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Level layers only if desired, once fully cooled.
6. Make Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or hand mixer, beat 1 1/2 cups butter and 1 cup cream cheese at medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth.
7. Add Flavor and Salt: Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp salt on low speed until combined.
8. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 7 cups powdered sugar on low speed, then beat on the lowest setting for one minute to ensure smooth consistency.
9. Adjust Frosting Consistency: If frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time. If too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until desired texture is achieved.
10. Protect Frosting: Cover frosting with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming while you prepare to assemble the cake.
11. Chill Cake Layers: For easier frosting and less crumb, chill cake layers in the freezer for 20 minutes before stacking.
12. Assemble Cake: Place first cake layer on a greaseproof cake board or plate, securing it with a dab of frosting. Spread a thick, even layer of cream cheese frosting over it. Repeat with second layer, then place the third layer upside down for easier frosting.
13. Apply Crumb Coat: Spread a thin coat of frosting over the entire cake using a large offset spatula. Smooth evenly, then chill the cake in the fridge for 10 minutes or freezer for 5 minutes until the frosting is firm.
14. Final Frosting and Decoration: Add a thicker layer of cream cheese buttercream and use the back of a spoon or spatula to add decorative texture. Chill the finished cake before serving.

Notes

• Using a kitchen scale helps ensure even cake layers that bake uniformly.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth, well-incorporated batter and frosting.
• Chilling cake layers before frosting reduces crumbs and makes handling easier.
• Adjust frosting thickness with powdered sugar or heavy cream depending on climate and humidity.
• Wrap and freeze cake layers if baking in advance; thaw before frosting.

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