🍫 Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe
Rich, soft, and decadently chocolatey – this cake is pure perfection.
Who doesn’t love a rich, moist, and decadent chocolate cake? This recipe creates a soft, tender, and flavorful cake that’s perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever your chocolate craving hits.
The secret to its irresistible texture? A mix of buttermilk and hot coffee—they create deep flavor and an ultra-moist crumb. Top it with luscious chocolate frosting or enjoy it simply dusted with powdered sugar. Either way, it’s a showstopper.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake
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Ultra moist and rich – Buttermilk and coffee bring deep flavor and tenderness.
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Foolproof texture – Comes out soft, fluffy, and never dry.
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Customizable – Works for cupcakes, layer cakes, or simple sheet cakes.
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Perfect for any occasion – Dress it up or keep it simple—it always delivers.
🧁 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
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¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
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½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup (240ml) hot brewed coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Frosting (Optional):
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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3½ cups (450g) powdered sugar
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½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Equipment
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together:
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Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk to combine evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a second large bowl, whisk together:
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Eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
Slowly add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Add Hot Coffee
Gradually pour in the hot brewed coffee, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin—this is normal and helps the cake stay moist.
5. Bake
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍫 Make the Chocolate Frosting (Optional)
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Beat butter until creamy.
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Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until smooth.
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Pour in cream and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
🎂 Assemble the Cake
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Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
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Spread a layer of frosting on top.
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Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
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For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or top with chocolate shavings.
💡 Expert Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake
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Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix evenly.
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Don’t overmix – just until combined for a tender crumb.
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Use hot coffee to enhance chocolate flavor (or hot water if preferred).
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Toothpick test: A few moist crumbs mean it’s perfectly baked.
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Cool completely before frosting to prevent sliding.
🛠️ Customizations & Variations
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Dairy-free: Use almond milk + 1 Tbsp vinegar instead of buttermilk, and dairy-free butter/cream for frosting.
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Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, espresso powder, or chopped nuts.
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Cupcakes: Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
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3-layer cake: Divide batter among three pans and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with:
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A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
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Fresh berries or a berry compote
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A dusting of powdered sugar
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Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
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Fridge: Keeps for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Make-ahead: Bake layers a day early and frost the next day.
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Reheat slices: Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.
🍴 Final Thoughts
This moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. Whether layered with frosting or enjoyed plain with a cup of coffee, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe box. Bake it once—and fall in love forever.
