Chocolate Cake Made From Scratch

Name: Chocolate Cake Made From Scratch
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup freshly brewed coffee; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup heavy cream

Highlighted under: Baked Favorites

I absolutely love baking, and this Chocolate Cake Made From Scratch has become one of my go-to recipes. It strikes the perfect balance of moistness and richness, making it a favorite among friends and family. Using high-quality cocoa powder and the right technique ensures that every bite is bursting with chocolaty goodness. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake always delivers unforgettable flavors. Plus, the joy of creating something so delicious from scratch is truly rewarding!

Created by

Ione Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:19:42.164Z

When I first attempted to make a chocolate cake from scratch, I was both excited and apprehensive. I wanted to ensure that the cake would be incredibly flavorful yet perfectly spongy. After a few tries, I realized that sifting the dry ingredients not only made the cake lighter but also helped in achieving that dreamy texture everyone loves. Each bite feels like a little piece of heaven!

One of my favorite tips is to use freshly brewed coffee in the batter. It doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee but intensifies the chocolate flavor. I was amazed at how much more depth it added — it truly elevates the cake to gourmet status. Trust me, this detail makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the rich flavor of this chocolate cake lies in the quality of the cocoa powder. Opt for a Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, smoother chocolate taste. The high granulated sugar quantity serves not just for sweetness, but also helps in maintaining moisture in the cake, ensuring it stays fresh longer. Additionally, using whole milk instead of skim provides a creamier texture that enhances the cake’s richness.

When it comes to the eggs, room temperature eggs blend better with the other ingredients, yielding a batter that traps air more effectively during mixing. This helps the cake to rise beautifully, creating a soft, airy crumb. For a lighter version of this cake, consider substituting the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce; this will reduce the fat content while keeping the cake moist but with a subtle apple undertone.

Key Baking Techniques

Mixing technique plays a crucial role in determining the cake's texture. Be careful not to overmix once the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake as it develops gluten. Instead, mix until just combined, letting the boiling water and coffee, added last, do their magic by hydrating the dry ingredients and creating a silky batter.

As for baking, ensure that your oven is correctly calibrated. An oven thermometer can be a great tool to check this. You should look for a slight dome and a toothpick that comes out clean when testing the cake's doneness. Overbaking or underbaking can severely affect the cake's final texture, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting:

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup freshly brewed coffee

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious chocolate cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine and Mix

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing well. Carefully stir in the boiling water and coffee. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in the vanilla and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over it, and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Pro Tips

Remember to let the cakes cool completely to avoid melting the frosting. For extra flavor, you can add chocolate shavings or sprinkles for decoration!

Frosting Tips

When making the frosting, ensuring your butter is at the right temperature is essential. Softened but not melted butter creates the base for a fluffy frosting. Beat the butter until pale and creamy before adding the powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, which helps prevent cloudiness and ensures a smooth final product. If your frosting seems too thick, adding a splash more of heavy cream can help achieve the desired consistency.

A great way to make the frosting easier to spread is to chill it slightly after mixing but before applying it to the cake. This ensures it holds its shape when spread on the cake and provides a neat finish. If you're looking for a light flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste without overpowering it.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake which can help it last up to a week. To freeze, wrap each layer separately, and it can keep for up to three months. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before frosting to ensure the perfect texture.

For serving, consider garnishing with fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries, which provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making each bite a delightful experience. Adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and make it truly decadent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but make sure to adjust the amount as needed.

→ How should I store the cake?

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make a single-layer cake?

Yes, simply divide the batter in half and bake in one pan for about 35-40 minutes.