Introduction
This Classic Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor in every bite. Using cocoa with hot liquid creates a soft, tender crumb, while the silky chocolate buttercream adds a smooth, creamy finish that isn’t overly sweet. It’s the perfect cake for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert made at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking sodaADVERTISEMENT
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oilADVERTISEMENT
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugarADVERTISEMENT
- 8 oz dark chocolate, melted and cooled
- 5 large egg whites
Directions
- Prepare the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly add the hot water while mixing.ADVERTISEMENT - Combine and Beat
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. The batter will be thin — this helps keep the cake moist. - Bake the Cakes
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack. - Make the Buttercream Base
In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg whites and sugar together. Place over simmering water and whisk until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm (about 160°F). - Whip the Frosting
Transfer mixture to a mixer and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form and the bowl is cool. Switch to paddle attachment and slowly add butter until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate until creamy. - Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate and spread frosting on top. Add second layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes, then frost the outside and decorate as desired.
Conclusion
This Classic Chocolate Cake is soft, rich, and perfectly balanced with smooth chocolate buttercream that melts in your mouth. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make at home. If you love deep chocolate flavor and moist cake, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.