Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Ultimate Chocolate Cake recipe is a rich, moist, and decadent homemade cake perfect for celebrations or any chocolate craving. Made with cocoa powder and real butter, it offers a classic chocolate flavor paired with a tender crumb that’s easy to bake and sure to impress.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter using a mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined without overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks and allow to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- For extra moistness, you can replace half the milk with sour cream or buttermilk.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother batter and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- You can add chocolate chips for an added chocolate punch.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cakes before frosting for a professional finish.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, ultimate chocolate cake, homemade chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, classic chocolate cake