Introduction
There’s something truly magical about a homemade chocolate cake. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a celebration, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, a moist and rich chocolate cake never disappoints. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make it. This easy chocolate cake recipe is beginner-friendly, requires minimal effort, and delivers outstanding results every time.
If you’ve ever hesitated to bake from scratch, this is the perfect recipe to try. It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. So, preheat your oven and get ready to make the best chocolate cake with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Table of contents
Ingredients for Easy Chocolate Cake
To make this easy chocolate cake, you’ll need basic pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the baking powder for a fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup (240ml) milk – Adds moisture.
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil – Keeps the cake soft.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water – Intensifies the chocolate taste.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (440g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture.
- Mix on medium speed until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Add Boiling Water
- Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing at low speed.
- The batter will be thin, but this is what makes the cake moist.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
- Spread a layer of frosting on one cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
- Frost the entire cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
Tips for the Best Easy chocolate cake
✔ Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
✔ Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps.
✔ Don’t overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
✔ Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk alternative: Use almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar replacement: Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a natural option.
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cake
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Frosting Options
- Classic buttercream – Light and fluffy.
- Cream cheese frosting – Slightly tangy, pairs well with chocolate.
- Ganache – Rich, glossy, and elegant.
Serving Suggestions
🍓 Serve with fresh berries.
🍨 Pair with vanilla ice cream.
☕ Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature eggs and milk.
❌ Skipping the parchment paper – Prevents sticking.
❌ Overbaking – Check for doneness with a toothpick.
Healthier Alternatives
- Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Reduce sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet version.
Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe – Soft, Moist & Delicious
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy chocolate cake is rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor. Perfect for any occasion, it’s simple to make with basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups (220g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups (300g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¾ cup (75g)
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
- Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Boiling water: 1 cup (240ml)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in boiling water, mixing at low speed until well combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream and serve.
Notes
- For extra moisture, add ¼ cup sour cream.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- This cake can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch pan for a sheet cake, but baking time may vary.
Overbaking or using too much flour can make the cake dry. Always measure ingredients correctly.
Adding sour cream or yogurt to the batter enhances moisture.
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap.
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Now, you have the perfect easy chocolate cake recipe that’s simple to make, incredibly moist, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking! 🍫🎂
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Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe – Soft, Moist & Delicious